ML18100A199

Issuance of Amendment No. 249 Change to Technical Specification 3.5.1 ECCS - Operating (CAC No. MG0015; EPID L-2017-LLA-0277)

ML18100A199
Person / Time
Site:	Columbia
Issue date:	05/02/2018
From:	Klos L Plant Licensing Branch IV
To:	Sawatzke B Energy Northwest
Klos L, NRR/DORL/LPLIV, 415-5136
References
CAC MG0015, EPID L-2017-LLA-0277
Download: ML18100A199 (10)

Text

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 May 2, 2018 Mr. Bradley J. Sawatzke Acting Chief Executive Officer Energy Northwest 76 North Power Plant Loop P.O. Box 968 (Mail Drop 1023)

Richland, WA 99352-0968

SUBJECT:

COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION- ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT RE:

CHANGE TO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 3.5.1, "ECCS - OPERATING" (CAC NO. MG0015: EPID L-2017-LLA-0277)

Dear Mr. Sawatzke:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 249 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 for the Columbia Generating Station. The amendment consists of changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated July 25, 2017.

The amendment revises TS 3.5.1, "ECCS [Emergency Core Cooling System] - Operating," and deletes the Note associated with Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.5.1.2 to reflect the residual heat removal' (RHR) system design and ensure the RHR system's operation is consistent with the TS 3.5.1 limiting condition for operation requirements. Additionally, the current TSs reflects the TS NOTE associated with the approval of Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018.

A copy of the related Safety Evaluation is also enclosed. The Notice of Issuance will be included in the Commission's biweekly Federal Register notice.

Si cerel ,

Jo n los, Pro ect Manager Plant Licensing Branch IV Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-397

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 249 to NPF-21

2. Safety Evaluation cc: Listserv

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, O.C. 20555..0()()1 ENERGY NORTHWEST DOCKET NO. 50-397 COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 249 License No. NPF-21

1. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) has found that:

A. The application for amendment by Energy Northwest (licensee), dated July 25 2017, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; B. The facility will operate in conformity with the application, the provisions of the Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; C. There is reasonable assurance (i) that the activities authorized by this amendment can be conducted without endangering the health and safety of the public, and (ii) that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations; D. The issuance of this amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public; and E. The issuance of this amendment is in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 of the Commission's regulations and all applicable requirements have been satisfied.

Enclosure 1

2. Accordingly, the license is amended by changes to the Technical Specifications as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment, and paragraph 2.C.(2) of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(2) Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 249 and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license. The licensee shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

3. The license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 60 days from the date of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Robert J. Pascarelli, Chief Plant Licensing Branch IV Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Changes to the Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 and Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: May 2 , 2 O1 8

ATTACHMENT TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 249 COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-21 DOCKET NO. 50-397 Replace the following pages of the Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 and Appendix A, Technical Specifications with the attached revised pages. The revised pages are identified by amendment number and contain vertical lines indicating the areas of change.

Renewed Facility Operating License REMOVE INSERT Technical Specification REMOVE INSERT 3.5.1-4 3.5.1-4 3.5.1-5 3.5.1-5 3.5.1-6

(2) Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 249 and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license. The licensee shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

a. For Surveillance Requirements (SRs) not previously performed by existing SRs or other plant tests, the requirement will be considered met on the implementation date and the next required test will be at the interval specified in the Technical Specifications as revised in Amendment No. 149.

(3) Deleted.

(4) Deleted.

( 5) Deleted.

(6) Deleted.

(7) Deleted.

(8) Deleted.

(9) Deleted.

(10) Deleted.

(11) Shield Wall Deferral (Section 12.3.2, SSER #4, License Amendment #7)

The licensee shall complete construction of the deferred shield walls and window as identified in Attachment 3, as amended by this license amendment.

(12) Deleted.

(13) Deleted.

• The parenthetical notation following the title of many license conditions denotes the section of the Safety Evaluation Report and/or its supplements wherein the license condition is discussed.

Renewed License No. NPF-21 Amendment No. 249

ECCS - Operating 3.5.1 SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.5.1.1 Verify, for each ECCS injection/spray subsystem, In accordance locations susceptible to gas accumulation are with the sufficiently filled with water. Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.2 ------------------------------NO TE---------------------------

N ot required to be met for system vent flow paths opened under administrative controls.

Verify each ECCS injection/spray subsystem In accordance manual, power operated, and automatic valve in the with the flow path, that is not locked, sealed, or otherwise Surveillance secured in position, is in the correct position. Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.3 Verify ADS accumulator backup compressed gas In accordance system average pressure in the required bottles is with the 2': 2200 psig. Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.4 Verify each ECCS pump develops the specified flow In accordance rate with the specified differential pressure between with the reactor and suction source. INSERVICE TESTING DIFFERENTIAL PROGRAM PRESSURE BETWEEN REACTOR AND SYSTEM FLOW RATE SUCTION SOURCE LPCS  ::::: 6200 gpm  ::::: 128 psid LPCI 2>: 7200 gpm 2>: 26 psid HPCS 2>: 6350 gpm  ::::: 200 psid Columbia Generating Station 3.5.1-4 Amendment No. 169,205,225,229,236 :233 243

-24e 249

ECCS - Operating 3.5.1 SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.5.1.5 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

Vessel injection/spray may be excluded.

Verify each ECCS injection/spray subsystem In accordance actuates on an actual or simulated automatic with the initiation signal. Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.6 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

Va Ive actuation may be excluded.

Verify the ADS actuates on an actual or simulated In accordance automatic initiation signal. with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.7 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

Not required to be performed until 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> after reactor steam pressure and flow are adequate to perform the test.

Verify each required ADS valve opens when In accordance manually actuated. with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.8 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

EC CS actuation instrumentation is excluded.

Verify the ECCS RESPONSE TIME for each ECCS In accordance injection/spray subsystem is within limits. with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Columbia Generating Station 3.5.1-5 Amendment No. 169,205,225,236 ' 246 249

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555.0001 SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 249 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-21 ENERGY NORTHWEST COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION DOCKET NO. 50-397

1.0 INTRODUCTION

By application dated July 25, 2017 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML17206A543), Energy Northwest (the licensee) requested changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) for the Columbia Generating Station (Columbia). The requested change revised TS 3.5.1, "ECCS [Emergency Core Cooling System] - Operating."

This amendment would delete the Note associated with Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.5.1.2 to reflect the residual heat removal (RHR) system design and ensure the RHR system operation is consistent with the TS 3.5.1 limiting condition for operation (LCO) requirements. However, the current TSs would continue to reflect prior amendments completed for Columbia; therefore, the TS NOTE associated with Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018 (ADAMS Accession No. 18025A213) is retained in the current TS pages.

The implementation of this license amendment request (LAR) will result in no physical modification to the plant and would allow Columbia to remove a TS SR Note that is not conservative.

2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff considered the following regulatory requirements during its review of the LAR:

The regulations in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50.36, "Technical specifications," details the content and information that must be included in TSs.

Paragraph 50.36( c) of 10 CFR requires TSs to include the following categories: ( 1) safety limits, limiting safety system settings, and limiting control settings; (2) LCOs; (3) SRs; (4) design features; and (5) administrative controls. As described in 10 CFR 50.36(c)(2), LCOs are the lowest functional capability or performance levels of equipment required for safe operation of the facility. When an LCO is not met, the licensee shall shut down the reactor or follow any other actions permitted by TS.

Enclosure 2

Additionally as described in 10 CFR 50.36(c)(3), "Surveillance Requirements," are requirements relating to test, calibration, or inspection to assure that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained, that facility operation will be within safety limits, and that the limiting conditions for operation will be met.

Paragraph 50.46(a)(1 )(i) of 10 CFR requires that each boiling or pressurized light-water nuclear power reactor fueled with uranium oxide pellets within cylindrical zircaloy or ZIRLO cladding be provided with an ECCS, designed with a calculated cooling performance in accordance with an acceptable evaluation model following a postulated loss-of-coolant accident {LOCA.)

Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 50, General Design Criterion (GDC) 34, "Residual heat removal,"

requires that a system to remove residual heat be provided with a safety function to transfer fission product decay heat and other residual heat from the reactor core at a rate such that specified acceptable fuel design limits and the design conditions of the reactor coolant pressure boundary are not exceeded.

Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 50, GDC 35, "Emergency core cooling," requires that a system to provide abundant emergency core cooling be provided with a safety function to transfer heat from the reactor core following any loss of reactor coolant at a rate such that ( 1) fuel and clad damage that could interfere with continued effective core cooling is prevented and (2) clad metal-water reaction is limited to negligible amounts.

Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 50, GDC 37, "Testing of emergency core cooling system," requires that the ECCS design provide the capability for periodic pressure and functional testing. This testing shall assure ( 1) structural and leak-tight integrity of components, (2) operability and performance of active components, (3) operability of the whole system under conditions as close to design as possible.

2.1 Proposed Technical Specification Change The proposed change would delete the following Note associated with TS SR 3.5.1.2:

Low pressure coolant injection (LPCI) subsystems may be considered OPERABLE during alignment and operation for decay heat removal with reactor steam dome pressure less than 48 psig [pounds per square inch gauge] in MODE 3 [Hot Shutdown], if capable of being manually realigned and not otherwise inoperable.

However, the current TSs will continue to reflect prior amendments completed for Columbia; therefore, the TS NOTE associated with Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018, is retained in the current TS pages.

2.2 System Design and Operation The safety function of the ECCS is to provide core cooling following a LOCA. The ECCS consists of two high-pressure and two low-pressure systems. The high-pressure systems are the high-pressure core spray (HPCS) system and the automatic depressurization system (ADS).

The low-pressure systems are the LPCI mode of RHR and the low-pressure core spray (LPCS) system.

The manner in which the ECCS operates to protect the core is a function of the rate at which reactor coolant inventory is lost from the break. The HPCS is designed to operate while the reactor coolant system is at high pressure. The LPCS and LPCI are designed for operation at low pressures. If the break in the nuclear system process barrier is of such a size that the loss-of-coolant exceeds the capability of the HPCS, reactor pressure decreases at a rate fast enough for the low-pressure ECCS to commence coolant injection into the reactor vessel in time to cool the core. Automatic depressurization is provided to reduce reactor pressure if a break has occurred and the high-pressure coolant injection system is inoperable.

The RHR system is a low-pressure system that can be used for cooling and/or inventory control. The primary purposes of the RHR system modes are 1) the LPCI mode to automatically initiate and maintain reactor water level following a LOCA and 2) the containment spray mode is employed following a LOCA to condense steam for primary containment pressure reduction and to reduce airborne activity in the primary containment following a LOCA. The RHR system consists of three independent closed loops, each containing a motor-driven pump powered by an engineered safety feature system.

The shutdown cooling (SOC) mode of the RHR system is operated during normal unit cooldown and shutdown to remove decay heat. The RHR system is placed in the SOC mode of operation when nuclear system temperature has decreased to where the steam supply pressure is not sufficient to maintain the turbine shaft gland seals nor the vacuum in the main condenser.

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

The RHR system is used in the SOC mode to remove residual heat from the nuclear system to maintain reactor water inventory below 200 degrees Fahrenheit so that refueling and nuclear system servicing can be performed.

Currently, Columbia TS 3.5.1.2 contains a Note that requires the RHR system be capable of manual realignment to the LPCI mode and not be otherwise inoperable. This Note was added as a part of the Columbia improved technical specification campaign intended to provide clarity that LPCI may be considered operable during alignment and operation in the SOC mode.

Industry Operating Experience (OE) has determined that manually realigning a RHR shutdown cooling subsystem from SOC to LPCI could result in water flashing to steam in the RHR piping, water hammer, pressure locking, or thermal binding of valves unless the RHR SOC piping is first allowed to cool. In the LAR, the licensee identified that this OE is applicable to Columbia in that the design of the RHR system could be susceptible to this same phenomenon and that removal of the TS 3.5.1.2 Note is conservative and would prevent water flashing and water hammer in the RHR piping. In addition, the licensee stated in the LAR that, there are barriers in place that currently direct the operation crews to declare the LPCI mode inoperable when susceptible.

The NRC Information Notice (IN) 2010-11, "Potential for Steam Voiding Causing Residual Heat Removal System lnoperability," dated June 16, 2010 (ADAMS Accession No. ML100640465),

determined that during operation in MODE 3, the potential exists for the water in the RHR pump suction piping aligned for SOC to flash/boil when realigned to the LPCI mode. This phenomenon is due to the physical arrangement (i.e., common interface) of the SOC and LPCI suction lines for the RHR pumps. The realignment from SOC mode to LPCI mode, transfers the suction source for the RHR pump; thereby, exposing the high temperature SOC water to the low-pressure section of the LPCI suction piping from the suppression pool. The resultant flashing/boiling of the high-pressure, high-temperature water when introduced to the

low-pressure piping could result in voiding in the suction piping, RHR pump cavitation, water hammer, and associated RHR system damage. This threat is greatest during the early stages of MODE 3 operation when the SOC water temperature is highest.

The licensee stated in the LAR, that "[a] Boiling Water Reactor Owners' Group (BWROG) Ad Hoc committee" recommended that the provision allowing LPCI to be considered operable when aligned for decay heat removal [(i.e., SOC)] be removed and, if necessary, plants should enter the Action for an inoperable LPCI subsystem when it is aligned to RHR SOC in MODE 3 with reactor steam dome pressure less than 48 psig. This Action has a 7-day completion time, which is much longer than the time typically required to transition to Mode 4 [(Cold Shutdown)] from MODE 3 at less than 48 psig steam dome pressure."

The NRC staff review confirmed that the flashing/boiling in the RHR suction piping and the suppression pool suction valve thermal binding are the result of the RHR system design that supports several different operating modes using common equipment. This design feature and the associated temperature phenomenon prevents timely realignment of the RHR subsystem from SOC mode to LPCI mode.

Based on the above, the NRC staff finds that the current Note in LCO 3.5.1.2 could potentially allow operating conditions to exist that would adversely impact the function of the RHR system because high-pressure, high-temperature water, when introduced to the low-pressure piping, could result in voiding in the suction piping, RHR pump cavitation, water hammer and associated RHR system damage. Therefore, the NRC staff finds that removal of the Note associated with this particular amendment is acceptable, and the applicable regulatory requirements will continue to be met. Changes to the TS Bases should be made in accordance with the licensee's TS Bases Control Program.

The proposed LAR was evaluated by the NRC staff and it was determined that the applicable regulatory requirements will continue to be met, and adequate defense-in-depth and sufficient safety margins will be maintained in accordance with 10 CFR 50.36 and 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix A, GDCs 34, 35 and 37. The staff determined that removal of the TS 3.5.1.2 Note would prevent water flashing, water hammer pressure locking, or thermal binding in the RHR piping and addresses NRC IN 2010-11. However, the current TS will continue to reflect prior amendments completed for Columbia; therefore, the TS NOTE associated with Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018, is retained in the current TS pages.

The NRC staff, therefore, concludes that with the removal of the TS SR 3.5.1.2 Note, the necessary quality of the system and components will be maintained and that this will assure that limiting condition for operation with 3.5.1 will be met. Removal of the TS SR 3.5.1.2 Note and operation with one RHR subsystem inoperable for LPCI mode while being aligned or operated is acceptable and SR 3.5.1.2 will comply with 10 CFR 50.36(c)(3).

4.0 STATE CONSULTATION

In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Washington State official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment on April 5, 2018. The State official had no comments.

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

The amendment changes a requirement with respect to the installation or use of a facility component located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20 and changes

surveillance requirements. The NRC staff has determined that the amendment involves no significant increase in the amounts, and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a proposed finding that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding published in the Federal Register November 7, 2017 (82 FR 51649).

Accordingly, the amendment meets the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendment.

6.0 CONCLUSION

The Commission has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that: (1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, (2) there is reasonable assurance that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations, and (3) the issuance of the amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

Principal Contributor: Fred Forsaty, NRR Date: May 2, 2018

SUBJECT:

COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION - ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT RE:

CHANGE TO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 3.5.1, "ECCS - OPERATING" (CAC NO. MG0015: EPID L-2017-LLA-0277) DATED MAY 2, 2018 DISTRIBUTION:

PUBLIC RidsNrrDssStsb Resource RidsRgn4MailCenter Resource PM File Copy RidsNrrDssSrxb Resource FForsaty, NRR RidsACRS_MailCTR Resource RidsNrrLAPBlechman Resource PSnyder, NRR RidsNrrDorllpl4 Resource RidsNrrPMColumbia Resource ADAMS Accession N o.: ML18100A199

• b1v memo ** b>vema1*1 OFFICE NRR/DORL/LPL4/PM NRR/DORL/LPL4/LA NRR/DSS/SRXB* N RR/DSS/STS 8/BC**

NAME JKlos PBlechman JWhitman VCusumano DATE 4/18/2018 4/18/2018 3/26/2018 4/25/18 OFFICE OGC** NRR/DORL/LPL4/BC NRR/DORL/LPL4/PM NAME JGillespie RPascarelli JKlos """"

DATE 4/24/2018 5/02/18 5/02/18 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 May 2, 2018 Mr. Bradley J. Sawatzke Acting Chief Executive Officer Energy Northwest 76 North Power Plant Loop P.O. Box 968 (Mail Drop 1023)

Richland, WA 99352-0968

SUBJECT:

COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION- ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT RE:

CHANGE TO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 3.5.1, "ECCS - OPERATING" (CAC NO. MG0015: EPID L-2017-LLA-0277)

Dear Mr. Sawatzke:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 249 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 for the Columbia Generating Station. The amendment consists of changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated July 25, 2017.

The amendment revises TS 3.5.1, "ECCS [Emergency Core Cooling System] - Operating," and deletes the Note associated with Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.5.1.2 to reflect the residual heat removal' (RHR) system design and ensure the RHR system's operation is consistent with the TS 3.5.1 limiting condition for operation requirements. Additionally, the current TSs reflects the TS NOTE associated with the approval of Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018.

A copy of the related Safety Evaluation is also enclosed. The Notice of Issuance will be included in the Commission's biweekly Federal Register notice.

Si cerel ,

Jo n los, Pro ect Manager Plant Licensing Branch IV Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-397

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 249 to NPF-21

2. Safety Evaluation cc: Listserv

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, O.C. 20555..0()()1 ENERGY NORTHWEST DOCKET NO. 50-397 COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 249 License No. NPF-21

1. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) has found that:

A. The application for amendment by Energy Northwest (licensee), dated July 25 2017, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; B. The facility will operate in conformity with the application, the provisions of the Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; C. There is reasonable assurance (i) that the activities authorized by this amendment can be conducted without endangering the health and safety of the public, and (ii) that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations; D. The issuance of this amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public; and E. The issuance of this amendment is in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 of the Commission's regulations and all applicable requirements have been satisfied.

Enclosure 1

2. Accordingly, the license is amended by changes to the Technical Specifications as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment, and paragraph 2.C.(2) of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(2) Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 249 and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license. The licensee shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

3. The license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 60 days from the date of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Robert J. Pascarelli, Chief Plant Licensing Branch IV Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Changes to the Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 and Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: May 2 , 2 O1 8

ATTACHMENT TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 249 COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-21 DOCKET NO. 50-397 Replace the following pages of the Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 and Appendix A, Technical Specifications with the attached revised pages. The revised pages are identified by amendment number and contain vertical lines indicating the areas of change.

Renewed Facility Operating License REMOVE INSERT Technical Specification REMOVE INSERT 3.5.1-4 3.5.1-4 3.5.1-5 3.5.1-5 3.5.1-6

(2) Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 249 and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license. The licensee shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

a. For Surveillance Requirements (SRs) not previously performed by existing SRs or other plant tests, the requirement will be considered met on the implementation date and the next required test will be at the interval specified in the Technical Specifications as revised in Amendment No. 149.

(3) Deleted.

(4) Deleted.

( 5) Deleted.

(6) Deleted.

(7) Deleted.

(8) Deleted.

(9) Deleted.

(10) Deleted.

(11) Shield Wall Deferral (Section 12.3.2, SSER #4, License Amendment #7)

The licensee shall complete construction of the deferred shield walls and window as identified in Attachment 3, as amended by this license amendment.

(12) Deleted.

(13) Deleted.

• The parenthetical notation following the title of many license conditions denotes the section of the Safety Evaluation Report and/or its supplements wherein the license condition is discussed.

Renewed License No. NPF-21 Amendment No. 249

ECCS - Operating 3.5.1 SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.5.1.1 Verify, for each ECCS injection/spray subsystem, In accordance locations susceptible to gas accumulation are with the sufficiently filled with water. Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.2 ------------------------------NO TE---------------------------

N ot required to be met for system vent flow paths opened under administrative controls.

Verify each ECCS injection/spray subsystem In accordance manual, power operated, and automatic valve in the with the flow path, that is not locked, sealed, or otherwise Surveillance secured in position, is in the correct position. Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.3 Verify ADS accumulator backup compressed gas In accordance system average pressure in the required bottles is with the 2': 2200 psig. Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.4 Verify each ECCS pump develops the specified flow In accordance rate with the specified differential pressure between with the reactor and suction source. INSERVICE TESTING DIFFERENTIAL PROGRAM PRESSURE BETWEEN REACTOR AND SYSTEM FLOW RATE SUCTION SOURCE LPCS  ::::: 6200 gpm  ::::: 128 psid LPCI 2>: 7200 gpm 2>: 26 psid HPCS 2>: 6350 gpm  ::::: 200 psid Columbia Generating Station 3.5.1-4 Amendment No. 169,205,225,229,236 :233 243

-24e 249

ECCS - Operating 3.5.1 SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.5.1.5 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

Vessel injection/spray may be excluded.

Verify each ECCS injection/spray subsystem In accordance actuates on an actual or simulated automatic with the initiation signal. Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.6 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

Va Ive actuation may be excluded.

Verify the ADS actuates on an actual or simulated In accordance automatic initiation signal. with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.7 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

Not required to be performed until 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> after reactor steam pressure and flow are adequate to perform the test.

Verify each required ADS valve opens when In accordance manually actuated. with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.5.1.8 -------------------------------NOTE------------------------------

EC CS actuation instrumentation is excluded.

Verify the ECCS RESPONSE TIME for each ECCS In accordance injection/spray subsystem is within limits. with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Columbia Generating Station 3.5.1-5 Amendment No. 169,205,225,236 ' 246 249

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555.0001 SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 249 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-21 ENERGY NORTHWEST COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION DOCKET NO. 50-397

1.0 INTRODUCTION

By application dated July 25, 2017 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML17206A543), Energy Northwest (the licensee) requested changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) for the Columbia Generating Station (Columbia). The requested change revised TS 3.5.1, "ECCS [Emergency Core Cooling System] - Operating."

This amendment would delete the Note associated with Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.5.1.2 to reflect the residual heat removal (RHR) system design and ensure the RHR system operation is consistent with the TS 3.5.1 limiting condition for operation (LCO) requirements. However, the current TSs would continue to reflect prior amendments completed for Columbia; therefore, the TS NOTE associated with Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018 (ADAMS Accession No. 18025A213) is retained in the current TS pages.

The implementation of this license amendment request (LAR) will result in no physical modification to the plant and would allow Columbia to remove a TS SR Note that is not conservative.

2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff considered the following regulatory requirements during its review of the LAR:

The regulations in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50.36, "Technical specifications," details the content and information that must be included in TSs.

Paragraph 50.36( c) of 10 CFR requires TSs to include the following categories: ( 1) safety limits, limiting safety system settings, and limiting control settings; (2) LCOs; (3) SRs; (4) design features; and (5) administrative controls. As described in 10 CFR 50.36(c)(2), LCOs are the lowest functional capability or performance levels of equipment required for safe operation of the facility. When an LCO is not met, the licensee shall shut down the reactor or follow any other actions permitted by TS.

Enclosure 2

Additionally as described in 10 CFR 50.36(c)(3), "Surveillance Requirements," are requirements relating to test, calibration, or inspection to assure that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained, that facility operation will be within safety limits, and that the limiting conditions for operation will be met.

Paragraph 50.46(a)(1 )(i) of 10 CFR requires that each boiling or pressurized light-water nuclear power reactor fueled with uranium oxide pellets within cylindrical zircaloy or ZIRLO cladding be provided with an ECCS, designed with a calculated cooling performance in accordance with an acceptable evaluation model following a postulated loss-of-coolant accident {LOCA.)

Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 50, General Design Criterion (GDC) 34, "Residual heat removal,"

requires that a system to remove residual heat be provided with a safety function to transfer fission product decay heat and other residual heat from the reactor core at a rate such that specified acceptable fuel design limits and the design conditions of the reactor coolant pressure boundary are not exceeded.

Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 50, GDC 35, "Emergency core cooling," requires that a system to provide abundant emergency core cooling be provided with a safety function to transfer heat from the reactor core following any loss of reactor coolant at a rate such that ( 1) fuel and clad damage that could interfere with continued effective core cooling is prevented and (2) clad metal-water reaction is limited to negligible amounts.

Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 50, GDC 37, "Testing of emergency core cooling system," requires that the ECCS design provide the capability for periodic pressure and functional testing. This testing shall assure ( 1) structural and leak-tight integrity of components, (2) operability and performance of active components, (3) operability of the whole system under conditions as close to design as possible.

2.1 Proposed Technical Specification Change The proposed change would delete the following Note associated with TS SR 3.5.1.2:

Low pressure coolant injection (LPCI) subsystems may be considered OPERABLE during alignment and operation for decay heat removal with reactor steam dome pressure less than 48 psig [pounds per square inch gauge] in MODE 3 [Hot Shutdown], if capable of being manually realigned and not otherwise inoperable.

However, the current TSs will continue to reflect prior amendments completed for Columbia; therefore, the TS NOTE associated with Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018, is retained in the current TS pages.

2.2 System Design and Operation The safety function of the ECCS is to provide core cooling following a LOCA. The ECCS consists of two high-pressure and two low-pressure systems. The high-pressure systems are the high-pressure core spray (HPCS) system and the automatic depressurization system (ADS).

The low-pressure systems are the LPCI mode of RHR and the low-pressure core spray (LPCS) system.

The manner in which the ECCS operates to protect the core is a function of the rate at which reactor coolant inventory is lost from the break. The HPCS is designed to operate while the reactor coolant system is at high pressure. The LPCS and LPCI are designed for operation at low pressures. If the break in the nuclear system process barrier is of such a size that the loss-of-coolant exceeds the capability of the HPCS, reactor pressure decreases at a rate fast enough for the low-pressure ECCS to commence coolant injection into the reactor vessel in time to cool the core. Automatic depressurization is provided to reduce reactor pressure if a break has occurred and the high-pressure coolant injection system is inoperable.

The RHR system is a low-pressure system that can be used for cooling and/or inventory control. The primary purposes of the RHR system modes are 1) the LPCI mode to automatically initiate and maintain reactor water level following a LOCA and 2) the containment spray mode is employed following a LOCA to condense steam for primary containment pressure reduction and to reduce airborne activity in the primary containment following a LOCA. The RHR system consists of three independent closed loops, each containing a motor-driven pump powered by an engineered safety feature system.

The shutdown cooling (SOC) mode of the RHR system is operated during normal unit cooldown and shutdown to remove decay heat. The RHR system is placed in the SOC mode of operation when nuclear system temperature has decreased to where the steam supply pressure is not sufficient to maintain the turbine shaft gland seals nor the vacuum in the main condenser.

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

The RHR system is used in the SOC mode to remove residual heat from the nuclear system to maintain reactor water inventory below 200 degrees Fahrenheit so that refueling and nuclear system servicing can be performed.

Currently, Columbia TS 3.5.1.2 contains a Note that requires the RHR system be capable of manual realignment to the LPCI mode and not be otherwise inoperable. This Note was added as a part of the Columbia improved technical specification campaign intended to provide clarity that LPCI may be considered operable during alignment and operation in the SOC mode.

Industry Operating Experience (OE) has determined that manually realigning a RHR shutdown cooling subsystem from SOC to LPCI could result in water flashing to steam in the RHR piping, water hammer, pressure locking, or thermal binding of valves unless the RHR SOC piping is first allowed to cool. In the LAR, the licensee identified that this OE is applicable to Columbia in that the design of the RHR system could be susceptible to this same phenomenon and that removal of the TS 3.5.1.2 Note is conservative and would prevent water flashing and water hammer in the RHR piping. In addition, the licensee stated in the LAR that, there are barriers in place that currently direct the operation crews to declare the LPCI mode inoperable when susceptible.

The NRC Information Notice (IN) 2010-11, "Potential for Steam Voiding Causing Residual Heat Removal System lnoperability," dated June 16, 2010 (ADAMS Accession No. ML100640465),

determined that during operation in MODE 3, the potential exists for the water in the RHR pump suction piping aligned for SOC to flash/boil when realigned to the LPCI mode. This phenomenon is due to the physical arrangement (i.e., common interface) of the SOC and LPCI suction lines for the RHR pumps. The realignment from SOC mode to LPCI mode, transfers the suction source for the RHR pump; thereby, exposing the high temperature SOC water to the low-pressure section of the LPCI suction piping from the suppression pool. The resultant flashing/boiling of the high-pressure, high-temperature water when introduced to the

low-pressure piping could result in voiding in the suction piping, RHR pump cavitation, water hammer, and associated RHR system damage. This threat is greatest during the early stages of MODE 3 operation when the SOC water temperature is highest.

The licensee stated in the LAR, that "[a] Boiling Water Reactor Owners' Group (BWROG) Ad Hoc committee" recommended that the provision allowing LPCI to be considered operable when aligned for decay heat removal [(i.e., SOC)] be removed and, if necessary, plants should enter the Action for an inoperable LPCI subsystem when it is aligned to RHR SOC in MODE 3 with reactor steam dome pressure less than 48 psig. This Action has a 7-day completion time, which is much longer than the time typically required to transition to Mode 4 [(Cold Shutdown)] from MODE 3 at less than 48 psig steam dome pressure."

The NRC staff review confirmed that the flashing/boiling in the RHR suction piping and the suppression pool suction valve thermal binding are the result of the RHR system design that supports several different operating modes using common equipment. This design feature and the associated temperature phenomenon prevents timely realignment of the RHR subsystem from SOC mode to LPCI mode.

Based on the above, the NRC staff finds that the current Note in LCO 3.5.1.2 could potentially allow operating conditions to exist that would adversely impact the function of the RHR system because high-pressure, high-temperature water, when introduced to the low-pressure piping, could result in voiding in the suction piping, RHR pump cavitation, water hammer and associated RHR system damage. Therefore, the NRC staff finds that removal of the Note associated with this particular amendment is acceptable, and the applicable regulatory requirements will continue to be met. Changes to the TS Bases should be made in accordance with the licensee's TS Bases Control Program.

The proposed LAR was evaluated by the NRC staff and it was determined that the applicable regulatory requirements will continue to be met, and adequate defense-in-depth and sufficient safety margins will be maintained in accordance with 10 CFR 50.36 and 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix A, GDCs 34, 35 and 37. The staff determined that removal of the TS 3.5.1.2 Note would prevent water flashing, water hammer pressure locking, or thermal binding in the RHR piping and addresses NRC IN 2010-11. However, the current TS will continue to reflect prior amendments completed for Columbia; therefore, the TS NOTE associated with Amendment No. 246, dated February 16, 2018, is retained in the current TS pages.

The NRC staff, therefore, concludes that with the removal of the TS SR 3.5.1.2 Note, the necessary quality of the system and components will be maintained and that this will assure that limiting condition for operation with 3.5.1 will be met. Removal of the TS SR 3.5.1.2 Note and operation with one RHR subsystem inoperable for LPCI mode while being aligned or operated is acceptable and SR 3.5.1.2 will comply with 10 CFR 50.36(c)(3).

4.0 STATE CONSULTATION

In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Washington State official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment on April 5, 2018. The State official had no comments.

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

The amendment changes a requirement with respect to the installation or use of a facility component located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20 and changes

surveillance requirements. The NRC staff has determined that the amendment involves no significant increase in the amounts, and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a proposed finding that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding published in the Federal Register November 7, 2017 (82 FR 51649).

Accordingly, the amendment meets the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendment.

6.0 CONCLUSION

The Commission has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that: (1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, (2) there is reasonable assurance that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations, and (3) the issuance of the amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

Principal Contributor: Fred Forsaty, NRR Date: May 2, 2018

SUBJECT:

COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION - ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT RE:

CHANGE TO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 3.5.1, "ECCS - OPERATING" (CAC NO. MG0015: EPID L-2017-LLA-0277) DATED MAY 2, 2018 DISTRIBUTION:

PUBLIC RidsNrrDssStsb Resource RidsRgn4MailCenter Resource PM File Copy RidsNrrDssSrxb Resource FForsaty, NRR RidsACRS_MailCTR Resource RidsNrrLAPBlechman Resource PSnyder, NRR RidsNrrDorllpl4 Resource RidsNrrPMColumbia Resource ADAMS Accession N o.: ML18100A199

• b1v memo ** b>vema1*1 OFFICE NRR/DORL/LPL4/PM NRR/DORL/LPL4/LA NRR/DSS/SRXB* N RR/DSS/STS 8/BC**

NAME JKlos PBlechman JWhitman VCusumano DATE 4/18/2018 4/18/2018 3/26/2018 4/25/18 OFFICE OGC** NRR/DORL/LPL4/BC NRR/DORL/LPL4/PM NAME JGillespie RPascarelli JKlos """"

DATE 4/24/2018 5/02/18 5/02/18 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY