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{{#Wiki_filter:TRISO-X, LLC 801 Thompson Avenue Rockville, MD 20852
{{#Wiki_filter:TRISO-X, LLC 801 Thompson Avenue Rockville, MD 20852  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      +1 301.358.5600
+1 301.358.5600 TX0-REG-LTR-0035 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY March 4, 2024 Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555-0001


TX0-REG            -LTR            -003                                                        5
==References:==
 
: 1)
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Docket No. 70-7027
 
: 2)
March 4, 2024
TRISO-X letter from Jennifer Wheeler to Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility Environmental Report Submittal, dated September 23, 2022
 
: 3)
Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, DC  20555-0001
NRC letter from Jill Caverly, Acting Chief, Environmental Project Management Branch 2, to Jennifer Wheeler, Director, Regulatory Affairs Request For Additional Information Part 2-2 for the Application from TRISO-X, LLC for Special Nuclear Material License for Use at a Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Docket Number: 70-7027),
 
References                      :                                   1)                                                                                   Docket No. 70-7027
: 2)                                                                                   TRISO-X letter from Jennifer Wheeler to Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, TRISO   -X Fuel Fabrication Facility Environmental Report           Submittal, dated September                                                                                                                           23, 2022
: 3)                                                                                   NRC letter from Jill Caverly           , Acting Chief,                                 Environmental Project Management Branch                       2, to Jennifer Wheeler,           Director, Regulatory Affairs Request For Additional Information Part 2-2                                                                       for the Application f                                                      rom TRISO-X, LLC f          or Special Nuclear Material License f                                or Use a                                t a Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Docket Number : 70-7027)                                                                               ,
dated December 13, 2023
dated December 13, 2023
: 4)                                                                                   Public Meeting Announcement                                                       for January 17, 2024, TRISO                                             -X Fuel Fabrication Facility Environmental Review -                       Requests for Additional Information,                                                         dated January 4, 2024
: 4)
: 5)                                                                                   Email from Jill Caverly to Jennifer Wheeler, TRISO                                     -X Environmental RAIs Part 2-2             ,             dated January 9, 2024
Public Meeting Announcement for January 17, 2024, TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility Environmental Review - Requests for Additional Information, dated January 4, 2024
: 6)                                                                                                 Memo from Jill Caverly, Project Manager, to Robert Sun, Chief, Environmental Project Management Branch 2,                                                           Summary of Meeting on January 17, 2024, With TRISO                                                                   -X, LLC, to Align o                                                      n the TRISO                                                                               -X Draft Environmental Impact Analysis Requests For Additional Information Part 2-2             , dated January 25, 2024
: 5)
: 7)                                                                                                 Email from Jennifer Wheeler to Jill Caverly, TRISO   -X FFF EIS ---Follow                                                               -
Email from Jill Caverly to Jennifer Wheeler, TRISO-X Environmental RAIs Part 2-2, dated January 9, 2024
up to public meeting on January 17 2024,                                                                                                       dated February 22, 2024
: 6)
Memo from Jill Caverly, Project Manager, to Robert Sun, Chief, Environmental Project Management Branch 2, Summary of Meeting on January 17, 2024, With TRISO-X, LLC, to Align on the TRISO-X Draft Environmental Impact Analysis Requests For Additional Information Part 2-2, dated January 25, 2024
: 7)
Email from Jennifer Wheeler to Jill Caverly, TRISO-X FFF EIS ---Follow-up to public meeting on January 17 2024, dated February 22, 2024  


==Subject:==
==Subject:==
Response to Request for Additional                                             Information Part 2-2             for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application
Response to Request for Additional Information Part 2-2 for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application TRISO-X, LLC (TRISO-X) hereby submits responses to the subject Request for Additional Information (RAI) Part 2-2, regarding the review of the Environmental Report for the TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility (Reference 2). The enclosed responses are for the RAI set transmitted by {{letter dated|date=December 13, 2023|text=letter dated December 13, 2023}} (Reference 3).
 
TRISO-X requested an RAI clarification meeting (Reference 4) and discussed a revised response date with NRC staff (Reference 5). Based on discussions with your staff during and after a meeting held January 17, 2024 (Reference 6), TRISO-X committed to providing a written response by March 5, 2024 (Reference 7).  
TRISO-X, LLC (TRISO-X)           hereby         submits responses to the subject Request for             Additional Information (RAI)                             Part 2-2         , regarding the review of the Environmental Report for                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         the TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility (Reference                                     2).               The enclosed responses are for                                   the RAI set                                   transmitted by letter dated Decem                                                      ber 13, 2023 (Reference 3).
 
TRISO-X requested an RAI                       clarification meeting (Reference 4) and discussed a revised response date                                                                                                 with NRC staff                                                     (Reference 5). Based on discussions with your staff during and after a meeting held                   January 17, 2024 (Reference 6),     TRISO-X committed to providing a written response by March 5, 2024                                                                                                                                                                     (Reference 7).
TX0-REG-LTR                                                        -0035
 
Requests for Withholding None. The enclosed submittal contains public information.
 
Summary of this Submittal The following Enclosure                                                        and Attachment                                                        are included                                                                                        with this letter.
 
Enclosure      -          RAI Part 2-2      Responses                                                                                                              for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application
 
Attachment -          Correspondence from TDEC for Response to RAI 2-2 ER                                                                                                -GW            -1
 
If there are questions or if additional information is required, please contact  me at (865) 850-0893 or jwheeler@triso-x                                        .com.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jennifer K. Wheeler, P.E.
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
 
TRISO-X, LLC 801 Thompson Avenue Rockville, MD  20852
 
Copy:                          Jill Caverly, US NRC TRISO-X Regulatory Records File
 
TX0-REG-LTR                                                        -0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Groundwater Resources
 
RAI2-2 ER-GW-1
 
Provide additional documentation and discussion regarding TRISO -Xs proposed permanent stormwater management practices for the fuel fabrication facility (FFF) regarding                                                                                    increased                                                                                                                stormwater discharge                                              and the                                                                      potential                                            need                                                                                            for an                                              Underground Injection Control Permit.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staffs review of the TRISO-X Stormwater Pollution                                            Protection                                            Plan (SWPPP) (TRISO-X, 2022b) and                                                                  environmental report (ER) (TRISO-X, 2022a) documentation finds that stormwater runoff discharge volume would be permanently increased by the proposed action and may discharge to a potential sinkhole located adjacent to the facility. Increased stormwater runoff volume (not peak flow rate) discharges to a sinkhole may be subject to permitting under the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation                      (TDEC) Underground                                                                                        Injection                                            Control (UIC) program.          Section                                            B.4.3                                                                  Underground Injection Control Permits of the Tennessee Permanent Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual (TDEC 2014) states that The act of directing increased stormwater runoff from developed land into a sinkhole or other karst feature constitutes a modification and as such, becomes a de facto improved sinkhole requiring a Class V UIC permit. This is even true if the improved sinkhole is downstream of stormwater treatment practices, either on site or o-site. Additionally, local municipal code (Oak Ridge Municipal Code14-505 (5) (e) and TDEC 2014) identify requirements for when site modifications increase stormwater runoff to sinkholes located either on or near the proposed development.
The applicant notes that the general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction permit Notice of Intent (NOI) application and SWPPP, with no references to karst, sinkholes, karst swales, disappearing streams, or similar nomenclature, were approved by both the                                                      City of                                Oak Ridge                                                                  and                                                                  TDEC. Although                                                                                                              not                                                      identified,                                                      in figure                      1, Site                                Location                                            Map from the TRISO-X SWPPP, closed-depression hatching used to denote sinkholes is visible (TRISO                                                                    -X, 2022b) which may indicate that one is there. Similarly, figure 3 Surface Drainage Near the Horizon Center Site, does not identify the disappearing stream or karst swale crossing the FFF site (TRISO-X, 2022a).
Please provide all correspondence with TDEC regarding verification of the need for or lack thereof for an underground injection control permit given the presence of on and near site karst features when coupled with the increased storm water discharge from the proposed action into a karst feature.                                If a                      UIC                            permit          is needed,                                                                                                  provide a                                            schedule                      and                                                                  path forward                                                                            for obtaining                                            the UIC permit.
 
TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-                                GW-1 The attachment to this enclosure provid                                es correspondence from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) which confirms the lack of a need for a Class V UIC permit.
Additional discussion of the broad swale that has characteristics similar to a                      karst swale                    is provided in the                                            response to                                  Hydrology RAI-1          , Karst Features in Enclosure 2 to the {{letter dated|date=November 8, 2023|text=letter dated November 8, 2023}}                                                                                                              (ADAMS Accession No. ML23312A338).
 
Page 1 of 3 TX0-REG-LTR                                                        -0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application RAI2-2 ER-GW-2
 
Clarify the                      discrepancy                                                                                                                                        between the ER                                                                    text                                                        and the                                                                      request for                                                                                additional                                                                                            information (RAI) response regarding the volume of storm water that will be discharged into West Outlet outfall.
The                                                                    previous RAI response (TRISO-X,                      2023) states that                                                                  the above                      mentioned                                                                                        requirements are not applicable as there are no increases in stormwater volume discharges to the sinkhole.
However, while the applicants SWPPP does demonstrate that post-construction stormwater peak flow rates would be managed by the proposed permanent stormwater management practices, the SWPPP also states that runoff volumes will be increased to the West Outlet outfall (Section 2.4, Stormwater Calculations of the SWPPP, page 3). SWPPP appendix D notes that impervious surface in the West Outlet                                  outfall drainage area would be increased by  an additional 30.4 acres (25.5 acres of Asphalt/Building and 4.9 acres of Detention Basin). Under such conditions, runoff volumes would be predicted to increase for any runoff-generating storm event.                                                                  Furthermore,                                the SWPPP                                                      runoff                                            volume                      calculations for the                                                      100-year                                                                                storm event                                                      identify an additional 697,962 cubic feet (5,221,104 gallons) of stormwater discharging through the West Outlet outfall which represents a 67 percent increase in post-construction stormwater runoff volume.


TRISO-X Response to                                     RAI2-2 ER-GW-2 Please see the                                            response to                                  Hydrology RAI-3, Volumetric Runoff Rate in Enclosure 2 to the {{letter dated|date=November 8, 2023|text=letter dated November 8, 2023}}                                                                                                              (ADAMS Accession No. ML23312A338)                                            .
TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Requests for Withholding None. The enclosed submittal contains public information.
Summary of this Submittal The following Enclosure and Attachment are included with this letter.
Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Attachment - Correspondence from TDEC for Response to RAI 2-2 ER-GW-1 If there are questions or if additional information is required, please contact me at (865) 850-0893 or jwheeler@triso-x.com.
Sincerely, Jennifer K. Wheeler, P.E.
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs TRISO-X, LLC 801 Thompson Avenue Rockville, MD 20852 Copy: Jill Caverly, US NRC TRISO-X Regulatory Records File


RAI2-2 ER-GW-3 Please confirm that the NPDES construction permit and SWPPP that were approved by the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC did not require a discussion and evaluation of onsite and                                                                      in the                                   vicinity                      of the site,                                 karst features that                                           have the                                                                                         potential to                                           be                                             impacted                                              by                                              the proposed project activities.
TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Page 1 of 3 Groundwater Resources RAI2-2 ER-GW-1 Provide additional documentation and discussion regarding TRISO-Xs proposed permanent stormwater management practices for the fuel fabrication facility (FFF) regarding increased stormwater discharge and the potential need for an Underground Injection Control Permit.
Based                                            on                                            the                                                      information                                            presented                                                                                                  in the ER                                                      Section                                           4.3                                                       and                                                                 research                      conducted                                                      by the                                                       NRC staff, karst features are present at the FFF site; however, the general NPDES construction permit coverage NOI application and SWPPP (TRISO-X, 2022b) do not identify or discuss the presence of karst features.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staffs review of the TRISO-X Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) (TRISO-X, 2022b) and environmental report (ER) (TRISO-X, 2022a) documentation finds that stormwater runoff discharge volume would be permanently increased by the proposed action and may discharge to a potential sinkhole located adjacent to the facility. Increased stormwater runoff volume (not peak flow rate) discharges to a sinkhole may be subject to permitting under the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. Section B.4.3 Underground Injection Control Permits of the Tennessee Permanent Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual (TDEC 2014) states that The act of directing increased stormwater runoff from developed land into a sinkhole or other karst feature constitutes a modification and as such, becomes a de facto improved sinkhole requiring a Class V UIC permit. This is even true if the improved sinkhole is downstream of stormwater treatment practices, either on site or o-site. Additionally, local municipal code (Oak Ridge Municipal Code14-505 (5) (e) and TDEC 2014) identify requirements for when site modifications increase stormwater runoff to sinkholes located either on or near the proposed development.
The applicant notes that the general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction permit Notice of Intent (NOI) application and SWPPP, with no references to karst, sinkholes, karst swales, disappearing streams, or similar nomenclature, were approved by both the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC. Although not identified, in figure 1, Site Location Map from the TRISO-X SWPPP, closed-depression hatching used to denote sinkholes is visible (TRISO-X, 2022b) which may indicate that one is there. Similarly, figure 3 Surface Drainage Near the Horizon Center Site, does not identify the disappearing stream or karst swale crossing the FFF site (TRISO-X, 2022a).
Please provide all correspondence with TDEC regarding verification of the need for or lack thereof for an underground injection control permit given the presence of on and near site karst features when coupled with the increased storm water discharge from the proposed action into a karst feature. If a UIC permit is needed, provide a schedule and path forward for obtaining the UIC permit.
TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-1 The attachment to this enclosure provides correspondence from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) which confirms the lack of a need for a Class V UIC permit.
Additional discussion of the broad swale that has characteristics similar to a karst swale is provided in the response to Hydrology RAI-1, Karst Features in Enclosure 2 to the {{letter dated|date=November 8, 2023|text=letter dated November 8, 2023}} (ADAMS Accession No. ML23312A338).  


TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-                                             GW-3 The SWPPP follows the guidance of the Tennessee Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook (4th Ed., August 2012). Based on this guidance, a site description and supporting information narrative is required for the SWPPP, but a discussion of karst features on the site is not required.
TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Page 2 of 3 RAI2-2 ER-GW-2 Clarify the discrepancy between the ER text and the request for additional information (RAI) response regarding the volume of storm water that will be discharged into West Outlet outfall.
The previous RAI response (TRISO-X, 2023) states that the above mentioned requirements are not applicable as there are no increases in stormwater volume discharges to the sinkhole.
However, while the applicants SWPPP does demonstrate that post-construction stormwater peak flow rates would be managed by the proposed permanent stormwater management practices, the SWPPP also states that runoff volumes will be increased to the West Outlet outfall (Section 2.4, Stormwater Calculations of the SWPPP, page 3). SWPPP appendix D notes that impervious surface in the West Outlet outfall drainage area would be increased by an additional 30.4 acres (25.5 acres of Asphalt/Building and 4.9 acres of Detention Basin). Under such conditions, runoff volumes would be predicted to increase for any runoff-generating storm event. Furthermore, the SWPPP runoff volume calculations for the 100-year storm event identify an additional 697,962 cubic feet (5,221,104 gallons) of stormwater discharging through the West Outlet outfall which represents a 67 percent increase in post-construction stormwater runoff volume.
TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-2 Please see the response to Hydrology RAI-3, Volumetric Runoff Rate in Enclosure 2 to the {{letter dated|date=November 8, 2023|text=letter dated November 8, 2023}} (ADAMS Accession No. ML23312A338).
RAI2-2 ER-GW-3 Please confirm that the NPDES construction permit and SWPPP that were approved by the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC did not require a discussion and evaluation of onsite and in the vicinity of the site, karst features that have the potential to be impacted by the proposed project activities.
Based on the information presented in the ER Section 4.3 and research conducted by the NRC staff, karst features are present at the FFF site; however, the general NPDES construction permit coverage NOI application and SWPPP (TRISO-X, 2022b) do not identify or discuss the presence of karst features.
TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-3 The SWPPP follows the guidance of the Tennessee Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook (4th Ed., August 2012). Based on this guidance, a site description and supporting information narrative is required for the SWPPP, but a discussion of karst features on the site is not required.  


Page 2 of 3 TX0-REG-LTR                                                       -0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application RAI2-2 ER-GW-4 Provide a                                                                                                       discussion                                                                                                                                                                                     that                                                           demonstrates                                           how karst                                   conditions                                                                                 were accounted for                                             in                                   the proposed large stormwater detention basin design with respect to how the facility will mitigate against both developing subsurface karst features and an actual sinkhole development, should it occur. Additionally, provide a discussion on any proposed mitigation measures that may be required by the City of Oak Ridge or TDEC as well as any that would be included as part of the proposed action.
TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Page 3 of 3 RAI2-2 ER-GW-4 Provide a discussion that demonstrates how karst conditions were accounted for in the proposed large stormwater detention basin design with respect to how the facility will mitigate against both developing subsurface karst features and an actual sinkhole development, should it occur. Additionally, provide a discussion on any proposed mitigation measures that may be required by the City of Oak Ridge or TDEC as well as any that would be included as part of the proposed action.
The proposed permanent stormwater best management practices (BMP) include a large, centralized stormwater basin with forebay, as presented in TRISO-                               Xs Facility SWPPP. The stormwater infiltration/detention basin is proposed to manage stormwater from a 149.5-acre drainage                                                                                       area                                           that                                                                 will                         include                                                                 at                                 least           30                                           acres of                                 additional impervious surface. As                                 discussed in RAI2-2 ER                                             -GW             -1, the facility is located in karst terrain, with the proposed basin BMP being situated within the vicinity of a karst swale and disappearing stream.
The proposed permanent stormwater best management practices (BMP) include a large, centralized stormwater basin with forebay, as presented in TRISO-Xs Facility SWPPP. The stormwater infiltration/detention basin is proposed to manage stormwater from a 149.5-acre drainage area that will include at least 30 acres of additional impervious surface. As discussed in RAI2-2 ER-GW-1, the facility is located in karst terrain, with the proposed basin BMP being situated within the vicinity of a karst swale and disappearing stream.
Large, centralized stormwater management practices constructed in karst terrain (such as basins) are considered to represent an increased risk for future sinkhole development and collapse beneath the structure. Infiltration losses from the long-term operation of                                                                                                                                                                           the proposed stormwater management basin could accelerate dissolution of subsurface carbonate rock, leading                                           to                                 potential environmental impacts.           Given that                                                                 the                                                       proposed                                           activity could                     contribute                                                                             to (or even exacerbate) future karst feature development, it is unclear whether the proposed stormwater management BMPs and structures were designed considering potential karst conditions.
Large, centralized stormwater management practices constructed in karst terrain (such as basins) are considered to represent an increased risk for future sinkhole development and collapse beneath the structure. Infiltration losses from the long-term operation of the proposed stormwater management basin could accelerate dissolution of subsurface carbonate rock, leading to potential environmental impacts. Given that the proposed activity could contribute to (or even exacerbate) future karst feature development, it is unclear whether the proposed stormwater management BMPs and structures were designed considering potential karst conditions.
TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-4 The TRISO-X site development will create impervious surfaces on the site from the buildings, equipment, and parking areas. In order to accommodate a stormwater management system that meets the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC requirements for Water Quality Volume (WQV) and the design basis 24-hour, 100-year recurrence interval rainfall event, a centralized stormwater detention basin with a forebay is the most feasible solution for the site. This stormwater management system accommodates detention of stormwater up to the design basis rainfall event and allows for a controlled release of flow to maintain discharge rates at or below pre-developed site conditions. Other stormwater BMPs that are considered best practices for only karst mitigation design are not practical given the quantity of stormwater from the design basis rainfall event.
In order to mitigate the potential for sinkhole development, the stormwater detention basin has an HDPE liner with clay backfill below the liner to prevent infiltration. Based on the preliminary geotechnical investigations of the site, there is expected to be at least six feet of native soil between the bottom of the basin excavation and the top of rock. The sediment basin will also be part of a periodic maintenance program that will inspect the basin and liner, clear debris and sediment, and maintain the stormwater basin in good working condition. The periodic basin and liner inspections will also be able to identify any subsidence which could indicate potential sinkhole formation below the basin, in the unlikely event that should occur.  


TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-4 The TRISO-X site development will create impervious surfaces on the site from the buildings, equipment, and parking areas. In order to accommodate a stormwater management system that meets the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC requirements for Water Quality Volume (WQV) and the design basis 24-                                            hour, 100-                  year recurrence interval rainfall event, a centralized stormwater detention basin with a forebay is    the most feasible solution for the                                      site. This stormwater management system accommodates detention of stormwater up to the design basis rainfall event and allows for a controlled release of flow to maintain                    discharge rates at or below pre-              developed site conditions. Other stormwater BMPs that are considered best practices for only karst mitigation design are not practical given the quantity of stormwater from the design basis rainfall event.
1 Burns Cunningham From:
In order to mitigate the potential for  sinkhole development, the stormwater detention basin has an HDPE liner with clay backfill below the liner to prevent infiltration. Based on the preliminary geotechnical investigations of the site, there is expected to be at least six feet of native soil between the bottom of the basin excavation and the top of rock. The sediment basin will also be part of a periodic maintenance program that will  inspect the basin and liner, clear debris and sediment, and maintain the stormwater basin in good working condition. The                                                                  periodic basin and liner inspections will also be able to identify any subsidence which could indicate potential sinkhole formation below the basin, in the unlikely event that should occur.
Joshua Frazier <Joshua.Frazier@tn.gov>
 
Sent:
Page 3 of 3 Burns Cunningham
Thursday, February 15, 2024 8:32 AM To:
 
Burns Cunningham Cc:
From:                             Joshua Frazier <Joshua.Frazier@tn.gov>
Valerie McFall; Shari Winburn
Sent:                             Thursday, February 15, 2024 8:32 AM To:                               Burns Cunningham Cc:                               Valerie McFall; Shari Winburn


==Subject:==
==Subject:==
RE: Question Regarding TRISO-X TNR136931
RE: Question Regarding TRISO-X TNR136931
 
: Burns, Hopealliswell.Yourlogicfollowsthecriteriaoutlinedinapplicablerulesandregulaons.Ifclearseparaonand proteconoftheonsitefeatureisachieved,thereisnoneedforaUICpermit.
Notice:Thisemailoriginatedfromoutsideoftheorganization.Donotclicklinks                                                                                    oropenattachments                  unless                                                          you recognizethesenderandknow                                                                                                      thecontentissafe.
Respectfully, JoshFrazierlEnvironmentalConsultant DivisionofWaterResources-NaturalResources KnoxvilleEnvironmentalFieldOffice 3711MiddlebrookPike,Knoxville,TN37921
: Burns,
: p. 8653649500 tn.gov/environment Tellushowweredoing!Pleasetake510minutestocompleteTDECsCustomerServiceSurvey From:BurnsCunningham<rcunningham@trisox.com>
 
Sent:Wednesday,February14,20243:31PM To:JoshuaFrazier<Joshua.Frazier@tn.gov>
Hopealliswell.                                                     Yourlogicfollowsthecriteriaoutlinedinapplicablerulesandregulaons.           Ifclear                                                                                        separaon                                                                        and protecon            oftheonsite      featureisachieved,there                      isnoneed                      for                                                    aUICpermit.
 
Respectfully,
 
JoshFrazier              lEnvironmentalConsultant DivisionofWaterResources-NaturalResources KnoxvilleEnvironmentalFieldOffice 3711MiddlebrookPike,Knoxville,TN                                                    37921
: p.         8653649500 tn.gov/environment
 
Tellushow                                                                              weredoing!Pleasetake510                                              minutestocompleteTDECs                                                    CustomerServiceSurvey
 
From:BurnsCunningham<rcunningham@trisox.com>
Sent:Wednesday,February                    14,                                                         20243:31PM To:JoshuaFrazier<Joshua.Frazier@tn.gov>


==Subject:==
==Subject:==
[EXTERNAL]RE:QuestionRegarding                                                                                              TRISOX      TNR136931
[EXTERNAL]RE:QuestionRegardingTRISOXTNR136931
 
*** This is an EXTERNAL email. Please exercise caution. DO NOT open attachments or click links from unknown senders or unexpected email - STS-Security. ***
*** This is an EXTERNAL email. Please exercise caution. DO NOT open attachments or click links from unknown senders or unexpected email - STS-Security. ***
 
ThisistheemailIwasreferringto.
ThisistheemailIwas                                                                        referringto.
Burns From:BurnsCunningham Sent:Monday,January29,20241:45PM To:joshua.frazier@TN.GOV
 
Burns
 
From:BurnsCunningham Sent:Monday,January29,20241:45PM To:joshua.frazier@TN.GOV


==Subject:==
==Subject:==
QuestionRegarding                                            TRISOX                                    TNR136931
QuestionRegardingTRISOXTNR136931 Notice:Thisemailoriginatedfromoutsideoftheorganization.Donotclicklinksoropenattachmentsunlessyou recognizethesenderandknowthecontentissafe.
 
Attachment to Enclosure Correspondence from TDEC for Response to RAI 2-2 ER-GW-1 TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Page 1 of 2
1
: Josh,
 
OurenvironmentalreviewersattheNRCaresll            asking                                                                                                                    quesons                                                                                          abouttheneedfor                                                    aClassVUICpermit.           TheNRChas requestedthatweprovidecorrespondencewithTDECregardingthelackofaneedfor                                                    aUICClassVpermitgiventhe presenceofonsite      andnearsite      karstfeatures.Thisisreferringtoakarstswale(locatedonsite)      andasinkhole(located approximately400                                                                          ositefromthewestouall).            AswediscussedbyphoneinNovember,aUICpermitisnotrequired becausewearenotdischargingdirectlyintotheosite                  sinkhole.Thewestdetenon                      basindischargestothesamepoint as                                      theexisng            natural                                                                                                                                    drainagecourse(itisnot              releasedtothesubsurface).ThislogicfollowstheTDECscreening guidanceinGDWR      UIC      01      120817.
 
Regardingthekarstswaleonsite,      thisfeatureisnotbeingusedas                                      adischargepointandisnotbeingusedtodischarge tothesubsurface.                                                                                        Theexisng                                                                      swaleisbeingreplacedwithtwo                                                                      perimeterdrainageditchesthatcollectrunoand conveyittothedetenon            system.Inanyevent,thiskarstswaleisnotpartofthescreeningprocessfor                                                                aclassVUIC permitpresentedinGDWRUIC01120817.
 
TheNRChasagreedthatemailcorrespondence                                                                                                                                      willbeappropriatetorespondtotheirques  on.So,ifyouagreewith theaboveconclusions,pleaseletme                                                          know                                                        andIcansend                                                                                        amoreformalemail                                                                                                    todocumentaresponse.Feel                                                      freetogive meacallatthenumberbelow                                                                                                                ifyouhaveany                                                                  quesons.
: Thanks,
 
Burns Cunningham Licensing Engineer
 
Mobile: 865.803.1352 rcunningham@triso-x.com
 
This message (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is non-public, proprietary, privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law                                          or may constitute attorney work product. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, d                                                                  istribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, notify us immediately and delete this message immediately. Thank you. TRISO-X, LLC.


2}}
2
: Josh, OurenvironmentalreviewersattheNRCaresllaskingquesonsabouttheneedforaClassVUICpermit.TheNRChas requestedthatweprovidecorrespondencewithTDECregardingthelackofaneedforaUICClassVpermitgiventhe presenceofonsiteandnearsitekarstfeatures.Thisisreferringtoakarstswale(locatedonsite)andasinkhole(located approximately400ositefromthewestouall).AswediscussedbyphoneinNovember,aUICpermitisnotrequired becausewearenotdischargingdirectlyintotheositesinkhole.Thewestdetenonbasindischargestothesamepoint astheexisngnaturaldrainagecourse(itisnotreleasedtothesubsurface).ThislogicfollowstheTDECscreening guidanceinGDWRUIC01120817.
Regardingthekarstswaleonsite,thisfeatureisnotbeingusedasadischargepointandisnotbeingusedtodischarge tothesubsurface.Theexisngswaleisbeingreplacedwithtwoperimeterdrainageditchesthatcollectrunoand conveyittothedetenonsystem.Inanyevent,thiskarstswaleisnotpartofthescreeningprocessforaclassVUIC permitpresentedinGDWRUIC01120817.
TheNRChasagreedthatemailcorrespondencewillbeappropriatetorespondtotheirqueson.So,ifyouagreewith theaboveconclusions,pleaseletmeknowandIcansendamoreformalemailtodocumentaresponse.Feelfreetogive meacallatthenumberbelowifyouhaveanyquesons.
: Thanks, Burns Cunningham Licensing Engineer Mobile: 865.803.1352 rcunningham@triso-x.com This message (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is non-public, proprietary, privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law or may constitute attorney work product. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, notify us immediately and delete this message immediately. Thank you. TRISO-X, LLC.
Attachment to Enclosure Correspondence from TDEC for Response to RAI 2-2 ER-GW-1 TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Page 2 of 2}}

Latest revision as of 19:50, 24 November 2024

Response to Request for Additional Information Part 2-2 for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application
ML24065A313
Person / Time
Site: Triso-X
Issue date: 03/04/2024
From: Wheeler J
Triso-X
To:
Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, Document Control Desk
References
TX0-REG-LTR-0035
Download: ML24065A313 (1)
v • d • e


Text

TRISO-X, LLC 801 Thompson Avenue Rockville, MD 20852

+1 301.358.5600 TX0-REG-LTR-0035 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY March 4, 2024 Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555-0001

References:

1)

Docket No. 70-7027

2)

TRISO-X letter from Jennifer Wheeler to Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility Environmental Report Submittal, dated September 23, 2022

3)

NRC letter from Jill Caverly, Acting Chief, Environmental Project Management Branch 2, to Jennifer Wheeler, Director, Regulatory Affairs Request For Additional Information Part 2-2 for the Application from TRISO-X, LLC for Special Nuclear Material License for Use at a Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Docket Number: 70-7027),

dated December 13, 2023

4)

Public Meeting Announcement for January 17, 2024, TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility Environmental Review - Requests for Additional Information, dated January 4, 2024

5)

Email from Jill Caverly to Jennifer Wheeler, TRISO-X Environmental RAIs Part 2-2, dated January 9, 2024

6)

Memo from Jill Caverly, Project Manager, to Robert Sun, Chief, Environmental Project Management Branch 2, Summary of Meeting on January 17, 2024, With TRISO-X, LLC, to Align on the TRISO-X Draft Environmental Impact Analysis Requests For Additional Information Part 2-2, dated January 25, 2024

7)

Email from Jennifer Wheeler to Jill Caverly, TRISO-X FFF EIS ---Follow-up to public meeting on January 17 2024, dated February 22, 2024

Subject:

Response to Request for Additional Information Part 2-2 for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application TRISO-X, LLC (TRISO-X) hereby submits responses to the subject Request for Additional Information (RAI) Part 2-2, regarding the review of the Environmental Report for the TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility (Reference 2). The enclosed responses are for the RAI set transmitted by letter dated December 13, 2023 (Reference 3).

TRISO-X requested an RAI clarification meeting (Reference 4) and discussed a revised response date with NRC staff (Reference 5). Based on discussions with your staff during and after a meeting held January 17, 2024 (Reference 6), TRISO-X committed to providing a written response by March 5, 2024 (Reference 7).

TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Requests for Withholding None. The enclosed submittal contains public information.

Summary of this Submittal The following Enclosure and Attachment are included with this letter.

Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Attachment - Correspondence from TDEC for Response to RAI 2-2 ER-GW-1 If there are questions or if additional information is required, please contact me at (865) 850-0893 or jwheeler@triso-x.com.

Sincerely, Jennifer K. Wheeler, P.E.

Vice President, Regulatory Affairs TRISO-X, LLC 801 Thompson Avenue Rockville, MD 20852 Copy: Jill Caverly, US NRC TRISO-X Regulatory Records File

TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Page 1 of 3 Groundwater Resources RAI2-2 ER-GW-1 Provide additional documentation and discussion regarding TRISO-Xs proposed permanent stormwater management practices for the fuel fabrication facility (FFF) regarding increased stormwater discharge and the potential need for an Underground Injection Control Permit.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staffs review of the TRISO-X Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) (TRISO-X, 2022b) and environmental report (ER) (TRISO-X, 2022a) documentation finds that stormwater runoff discharge volume would be permanently increased by the proposed action and may discharge to a potential sinkhole located adjacent to the facility. Increased stormwater runoff volume (not peak flow rate) discharges to a sinkhole may be subject to permitting under the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. Section B.4.3 Underground Injection Control Permits of the Tennessee Permanent Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual (TDEC 2014) states that The act of directing increased stormwater runoff from developed land into a sinkhole or other karst feature constitutes a modification and as such, becomes a de facto improved sinkhole requiring a Class V UIC permit. This is even true if the improved sinkhole is downstream of stormwater treatment practices, either on site or o-site. Additionally, local municipal code (Oak Ridge Municipal Code14-505 (5) (e) and TDEC 2014) identify requirements for when site modifications increase stormwater runoff to sinkholes located either on or near the proposed development.

The applicant notes that the general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction permit Notice of Intent (NOI) application and SWPPP, with no references to karst, sinkholes, karst swales, disappearing streams, or similar nomenclature, were approved by both the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC. Although not identified, in figure 1, Site Location Map from the TRISO-X SWPPP, closed-depression hatching used to denote sinkholes is visible (TRISO-X, 2022b) which may indicate that one is there. Similarly, figure 3 Surface Drainage Near the Horizon Center Site, does not identify the disappearing stream or karst swale crossing the FFF site (TRISO-X, 2022a).

Please provide all correspondence with TDEC regarding verification of the need for or lack thereof for an underground injection control permit given the presence of on and near site karst features when coupled with the increased storm water discharge from the proposed action into a karst feature. If a UIC permit is needed, provide a schedule and path forward for obtaining the UIC permit.

TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-1 The attachment to this enclosure provides correspondence from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) which confirms the lack of a need for a Class V UIC permit.

Additional discussion of the broad swale that has characteristics similar to a karst swale is provided in the response to Hydrology RAI-1, Karst Features in Enclosure 2 to the letter dated November 8, 2023 (ADAMS Accession No. ML23312A338).

TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Page 2 of 3 RAI2-2 ER-GW-2 Clarify the discrepancy between the ER text and the request for additional information (RAI) response regarding the volume of storm water that will be discharged into West Outlet outfall.

The previous RAI response (TRISO-X, 2023) states that the above mentioned requirements are not applicable as there are no increases in stormwater volume discharges to the sinkhole.

However, while the applicants SWPPP does demonstrate that post-construction stormwater peak flow rates would be managed by the proposed permanent stormwater management practices, the SWPPP also states that runoff volumes will be increased to the West Outlet outfall (Section 2.4, Stormwater Calculations of the SWPPP, page 3). SWPPP appendix D notes that impervious surface in the West Outlet outfall drainage area would be increased by an additional 30.4 acres (25.5 acres of Asphalt/Building and 4.9 acres of Detention Basin). Under such conditions, runoff volumes would be predicted to increase for any runoff-generating storm event. Furthermore, the SWPPP runoff volume calculations for the 100-year storm event identify an additional 697,962 cubic feet (5,221,104 gallons) of stormwater discharging through the West Outlet outfall which represents a 67 percent increase in post-construction stormwater runoff volume.

TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-2 Please see the response to Hydrology RAI-3, Volumetric Runoff Rate in Enclosure 2 to the letter dated November 8, 2023 (ADAMS Accession No. ML23312A338).

RAI2-2 ER-GW-3 Please confirm that the NPDES construction permit and SWPPP that were approved by the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC did not require a discussion and evaluation of onsite and in the vicinity of the site, karst features that have the potential to be impacted by the proposed project activities.

Based on the information presented in the ER Section 4.3 and research conducted by the NRC staff, karst features are present at the FFF site; however, the general NPDES construction permit coverage NOI application and SWPPP (TRISO-X, 2022b) do not identify or discuss the presence of karst features.

TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-3 The SWPPP follows the guidance of the Tennessee Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook (4th Ed., August 2012). Based on this guidance, a site description and supporting information narrative is required for the SWPPP, but a discussion of karst features on the site is not required.

TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Enclosure - RAI Part 2-2 Responses for the TRISO-X Environmental Report and License Application Page 3 of 3 RAI2-2 ER-GW-4 Provide a discussion that demonstrates how karst conditions were accounted for in the proposed large stormwater detention basin design with respect to how the facility will mitigate against both developing subsurface karst features and an actual sinkhole development, should it occur. Additionally, provide a discussion on any proposed mitigation measures that may be required by the City of Oak Ridge or TDEC as well as any that would be included as part of the proposed action.

The proposed permanent stormwater best management practices (BMP) include a large, centralized stormwater basin with forebay, as presented in TRISO-Xs Facility SWPPP. The stormwater infiltration/detention basin is proposed to manage stormwater from a 149.5-acre drainage area that will include at least 30 acres of additional impervious surface. As discussed in RAI2-2 ER-GW-1, the facility is located in karst terrain, with the proposed basin BMP being situated within the vicinity of a karst swale and disappearing stream.

Large, centralized stormwater management practices constructed in karst terrain (such as basins) are considered to represent an increased risk for future sinkhole development and collapse beneath the structure. Infiltration losses from the long-term operation of the proposed stormwater management basin could accelerate dissolution of subsurface carbonate rock, leading to potential environmental impacts. Given that the proposed activity could contribute to (or even exacerbate) future karst feature development, it is unclear whether the proposed stormwater management BMPs and structures were designed considering potential karst conditions.

TRISO-X Response to RAI2-2 ER-GW-4 The TRISO-X site development will create impervious surfaces on the site from the buildings, equipment, and parking areas. In order to accommodate a stormwater management system that meets the City of Oak Ridge and TDEC requirements for Water Quality Volume (WQV) and the design basis 24-hour, 100-year recurrence interval rainfall event, a centralized stormwater detention basin with a forebay is the most feasible solution for the site. This stormwater management system accommodates detention of stormwater up to the design basis rainfall event and allows for a controlled release of flow to maintain discharge rates at or below pre-developed site conditions. Other stormwater BMPs that are considered best practices for only karst mitigation design are not practical given the quantity of stormwater from the design basis rainfall event.

In order to mitigate the potential for sinkhole development, the stormwater detention basin has an HDPE liner with clay backfill below the liner to prevent infiltration. Based on the preliminary geotechnical investigations of the site, there is expected to be at least six feet of native soil between the bottom of the basin excavation and the top of rock. The sediment basin will also be part of a periodic maintenance program that will inspect the basin and liner, clear debris and sediment, and maintain the stormwater basin in good working condition. The periodic basin and liner inspections will also be able to identify any subsidence which could indicate potential sinkhole formation below the basin, in the unlikely event that should occur.

1 Burns Cunningham From:

Joshua Frazier <Joshua.Frazier@tn.gov>

Sent:

Thursday, February 15, 2024 8:32 AM To:

Burns Cunningham Cc:

Valerie McFall; Shari Winburn

Subject:

RE: Question Regarding TRISO-X TNR136931

Burns, Hopealliswell.Yourlogicfollowsthecriteriaoutlinedinapplicablerulesandregulaons.Ifclearseparaonand proteconoftheonsitefeatureisachieved,thereisnoneedforaUICpermit.

Respectfully, JoshFrazierlEnvironmentalConsultant DivisionofWaterResources-NaturalResources KnoxvilleEnvironmentalFieldOffice 3711MiddlebrookPike,Knoxville,TN37921

p. 8653649500 tn.gov/environment Tellushowweredoing!Pleasetake510minutestocompleteTDECsCustomerServiceSurvey From:BurnsCunningham<rcunningham@trisox.com>

Sent:Wednesday,February14,20243:31PM To:JoshuaFrazier<Joshua.Frazier@tn.gov>

Subject:

[EXTERNAL]RE:QuestionRegardingTRISOXTNR136931

      • This is an EXTERNAL email. Please exercise caution. DO NOT open attachments or click links from unknown senders or unexpected email - STS-Security. ***

ThisistheemailIwasreferringto.

Burns From:BurnsCunningham Sent:Monday,January29,20241:45PM To:joshua.frazier@TN.GOV

Subject:

QuestionRegardingTRISOXTNR136931 Notice:Thisemailoriginatedfromoutsideoftheorganization.Donotclicklinksoropenattachmentsunlessyou recognizethesenderandknowthecontentissafe.

Attachment to Enclosure Correspondence from TDEC for Response to RAI 2-2 ER-GW-1 TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Page 1 of 2

2

Josh, OurenvironmentalreviewersattheNRCaresllaskingquesonsabouttheneedforaClassVUICpermit.TheNRChas requestedthatweprovidecorrespondencewithTDECregardingthelackofaneedforaUICClassVpermitgiventhe presenceofonsiteandnearsitekarstfeatures.Thisisreferringtoakarstswale(locatedonsite)andasinkhole(located approximately400ositefromthewestouall).AswediscussedbyphoneinNovember,aUICpermitisnotrequired becausewearenotdischargingdirectlyintotheositesinkhole.Thewestdetenonbasindischargestothesamepoint astheexisngnaturaldrainagecourse(itisnotreleasedtothesubsurface).ThislogicfollowstheTDECscreening guidanceinGDWRUIC01120817.

Regardingthekarstswaleonsite,thisfeatureisnotbeingusedasadischargepointandisnotbeingusedtodischarge tothesubsurface.Theexisngswaleisbeingreplacedwithtwoperimeterdrainageditchesthatcollectrunoand conveyittothedetenonsystem.Inanyevent,thiskarstswaleisnotpartofthescreeningprocessforaclassVUIC permitpresentedinGDWRUIC01120817.

TheNRChasagreedthatemailcorrespondencewillbeappropriatetorespondtotheirqueson.So,ifyouagreewith theaboveconclusions,pleaseletmeknowandIcansendamoreformalemailtodocumentaresponse.Feelfreetogive meacallatthenumberbelowifyouhaveanyquesons.

Thanks, Burns Cunningham Licensing Engineer Mobile: 865.803.1352 rcunningham@triso-x.com This message (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is non-public, proprietary, privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law or may constitute attorney work product. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, notify us immediately and delete this message immediately. Thank you. TRISO-X, LLC.

Attachment to Enclosure Correspondence from TDEC for Response to RAI 2-2 ER-GW-1 TX0-REG-LTR-0035 Page 2 of 2

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