ML17297B196

Comments on Facility Des.Analysis of Possible Core Melt Impact on Groundwater Should Include Evaluation of Effects of Leakage from Upper Alluvial Units Into Regional Aquifier

ML17297B196
Person / Time
Site:	Palo Verde
Issue date:	01/21/1982
From:	Blanchard B INTERIOR, DEPT. OF
To:	Miraglia F Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NUDOCS 8201260184
Download: ML17297B196 (6)

Text

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Commehts.or(fe'ci l(i ty DES.Anal ysi s of possible cor e mel t i~pa'c't(o>a>>gropnd~a'ter should include evailuatt ion>>o!f ef fects otf 1ebkage f roy uooer atl 1uvi all uni ts intol r egi otnal aqui f i erOISTRISUTiION COOEt: COORS.COP~ISO RECE!IVES:LtTR, pi=NCLt+: SIZEt: TITLE: Khviror(',.

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Dear Mr.Miraglia:

JAhl g S 1982~0$Ilgwu g@Wp~RQfggfJ g(l@Na<noc gAg 2$19m~Pu5~GIAL, wQ OO i NIL O'NK rvQ OQ'%A ,AIC ,'IM ,dC)Al&(NL,Ch i We have reviewed the draft environmental impact statement (OLS)for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, Maricopa County, Arizona, and have the following comments.Groundwater The environmental report for the construction stage concluded that the Palo Verde Clay was a leaky aquitard (Environmental Report, p.2.5-8, 2.5-10, 2.5-11).This conclusion was based on the positive head differential between the perched and the regional aquifer water levels and increasing concentrations in dissolved solids toward the centers of heavy withdrawal from the principal regional aquifer, the Lower Coarse-Grained Unit.This change is said to be the result of the variation in degree of reeycling of the water as a result of the leakage through the discontinuous lenses of clayey silt, clayey sand, and silty sand of the Middle Pine-Grained Unit (Environmental Report, p.2.5-30 through 2.5-44, 2.5-9);possibly also the greater difference in head between the aquifers within areas of greatest withdrawal could also hasten leakage.The Environmental Report (p.2.5-8)also mentions that in the western part of the site the principal regional aquifer is under water-table conditions (that is, no effective confining layer is found).In accord with the foregoing circumstances, the statement's analysis of possible core-melt impacts on ground water should include an evaluation of effects of leakage from the Upper Alluvial Unit into the regional aquifer.It should also address plans for appropriate monitoring of the regional aquifer and remedial action in the event of need.~Eeolo This section states that"This portion of the Gila River, which is within the jurisdiction of the BLM, is presently undergoing an environmental assessment by Federal and State wildlife agencies." The area is actually under multiple jurisdiction.

The U.S.Pish and Wildlife Service filed a final environmental impact statement for Clearing of Phreatophytic Vegetation from the Salt and Gila Rivers on Ninety-Pirst Avenue to Gillespie Dam, Maricopa County, Arizona with the Environmental Protection Agency on January 5, 1982.Reservation Lands Due to the close proximity of this project to Indian reservations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)would like to be kept advised of the proposed environmental monitoring programs outlined in Section 5 of the statement, as modified and approved by the staff, and implemented in the environmental protection plan that will be incorporated in the operating license for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3.Qy04 (o U L II~, (r I H F 1 A'e~

Mr.Frank J.Miraglia Should evidence of irreversible environmental damage or adverse environmental effects be detected during the operating life of the station.It is advisable that you contact the BIA immediately concerning the proposed course of action to alleviate the problem as it aff ects reservation lands.We hope these comments will be helpful to you.Sincerely, ruce Blanchard, Director Environmental Project Review v~v v i v I~~