ML13148A039
| ML13148A039 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | South Texas  |
| Issue date: | 04/30/2013 |
| From: | Stoicescu L, Travis P L South Texas |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| NOC-AE-13002999 | |
| Download: ML13148A039 (37) | |
Text
A The 2012 Annual Environmental Operating Report for the South Texas Project Electric Generating Station combines in one report the requirements for the Annual Environmental Operating Report (Non-radiological) found in Appendix B to Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-76 and NPF-80 and the requirements for the Annual Radiological Environmental Operating Report found in Part A of the station's Offsite Dose Calculation Manual.Graphics and artwork peiformed by Barbara Carnlev Photography performed by: Gwenna Asher, Barbara Carnley, Frank Cox, MaryI Dykes, Edmond Hardcastle Jr. Jodie Jankauskas, Connie Milliff Kristv Moss, Gaui Parkey, Chelsea Pawloskv, Paul Travis, STP Corporate Communications, Gary Zink Coverphoto by: Gary Parkev Maps provided by Janice Hopes 4. "iii i STP Nuclear Operating Company Completed in avordarn-E with iccehnical Specifivations fo~r United States Nudear Regulatory Commissiotn License Nos.NPI?-76 & NPF-80 April 24013 Aut~horedI by: iT~rSrcuiccscU Staff I lealih Phiysicist Heal~th Physics Divimion atnd 4 Te~chn~ical ee: A ppm v d b y: PcýWLoft4(Irvrs" Ji,D EnvITronmcnW~I S'xpenrviSur Regulatwy Mfiiirs Effluenat Chcrnist Chum.iIst-y Divimsion R,4gcrA- A~mui lcr iz N-faruwgeT 2012 Annual Environmental Operating Report"I*]--.' TX.11 1PP 10JEF T EL F.TRIC G}-iN:R ATING STATION Table of Contents E xecutive Sum m ary ..................................................................................................
1-2 Site and A rea D escription
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2-2 Non-Radiological Environmental Introduction and Summary ................................
3-2 Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report ................................................
4-2 Environm ental C onditions
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4-2 Aquatic and Ecological Monitoring
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4-3 Water Quality Management
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4-4 A ir Q uality M anagem ent .....................................................................
4-10 Non-Radioactive Waste Management
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4-11 Chemical Control and Management
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4-14 Environmental Protection Plan Status ............................................................
4-15 Radiological Environmental Introduction and Summary ..........................................
5-2 Radiological Environmental Operating Report .........................................................
6-2 Program D escription
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6-2 Analysis of Results and Trends .......................................................................
6-6 L an d U se C en su s ..................................................................................................
6-13 Q uality A ssuran ce .................................................................................................
6-15 P rogram D ev iation s ..............................................................................................
6-16 NEI Groundwater Protection Initiative
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6-17 2012 Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Analysis Summary ...... 6-28 List of Figures Figure 2-1: Plant Water Systems Diagram ..................................................
2-4 Figure 4-1: 2012 Nonradioactive Waste Management
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4-13 Figure 4-2: 2012 Nonradioactive Waste Generation
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4-13 Figure 4-3: Hazardous Waste Shipped Historical Comparison
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4-14 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report Figure 6-1: Figure 6-2: Figure 6-3: Figure 6-4: Figure 6-5: Figure 6-6: Figure 6-7: Figure 6-8: Figure 6-9: Figure 6-10: Figure 6-11: Figure 6-12: Figure 6-13: Figure 6-14: List of Tables Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Designated Sam ple Location M ap ......................................................................
6-3 Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Onsite Sam ple L ocation M ap .....................................................................
6-4 Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Zone L ocation M ap ...................................................................................
6-5 Historical Comparison of Average Quarterly Beta Activity from Indicator and Control Air Samples .........................................
6-6 Environmental Dosimeter Comparisons
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6-7 Historical Comparison of Cobalt-60 in Main Cooling Reservoir S ed im en t ..........................................................................................
6 -9 Calculated Cumulative Curies of Cobalt-60 in the Main C ooling R eserv oir ............................................................................
6-9 Historical Comparison of Tritium Added to and Remaining in the M ain C ooling Reservoir
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6-10 Historical Comparison of Tritium Activity in Reservoir R elief W ells .....................................................................................
6 -10 Historical Comparison of Tritium Activity in Surface Water ..........
6-12 Historical Comparison of Tritium Activity in Shallow Aquifer G round W ater ...................................................................................
6-12 Tritium Activity in Shallow Ground Water West of the Main C ooling R eservoir ............................................................................
6-14 2012 Radiological Laboratory Quality Assurance Program Perform ance .....................................................................
6-16 STP Protected Area Ground Water Monitoring Wells .....................
6-18 Table 1: Table 2: Table 3: Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program .....................................
6-19 Sample Media and Location Descriptions
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6-2 2012 Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program A nalysis S um m ary ...........................................................................
6-2 9 STP Nuclear Operating Company Photo BY.- Gaon Parker STP Nuclear Operating Company
Executive Summary The South Texas Project continues to operate with no adverse effect on the population or the en-vironment.
The exposure for people living in the area remains at less than one millirem per year.Environmental programs at the site monitor known and predictable relationships between the op-eration of the South Texas Project and the surrounding area. These monitoring programs verify that the operation of the South Texas Project has no impact offsite and is well within state and federal regulations and guidelines.
These programs are verified by the State of Texas through collection and analysis of samples and placement of the State's monitoring dosimeters and other onsite and offsite inspections.
This report describes the environmental monitoring programs, radiological and non-radiological, conduct-ed at the South Texas Project during 2012. Included in this report are the Environmental Protection Plan Status, the results of the Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program, and the Land Use Census.Non-radiological environmental monitoring is performed each year as part of the station's overall Envi-ronmental Protection Plan which is intended to provide for protection of non-radiological environmental values during station operations.
Non-radiological monitoring encompasses.
as a minimum, water quality, air quality, waste generation and minimization, and local aquatic and terrestrial ecological conditions.
In 2012, non-radiological monitoring by the station confirmed that the South Texas Project's efforts to respect and protect local environmental conditions were successful.
The South Texas Project continued to be rated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as a high performer in the area of environmental compliance, continued to provide high-quality habitat areas for a variety of flora and fauna, and continued to have no indications of negative non-radiological impacts to local enviromnental conditions.
The environment, within a 15-mile radius of the South Texas Project, is routinely monitored for radiation and radioactivity.
Sampling locations are selected using weather, land use. and water use information.
Two types of sampling locations are used. The first type, control stations, are located in areas that are be-yond the measurable influence of the South Texas Project or any other nuclear facility.
The sample results from these stations are used to explain radiation from sources other than the South Texas Project. Indicator stations are the second type of stations.
The samples from these stations measure any radiation contributed to the environment that could be caused by the South Texas Project. Indicator stations are located in areas close to the South Texas Project where plant releases are monitored.
Prior to initial operation of the South Texas Project, samples were collected and analyzed to determine the amount of radioactivity present in the area. These results are used as a "pre-operational baseline." Results from the indicator stations are compared to both current control sample results and the pre-operational baseline values to determine if changes in radioactivity levels are attributable to station operations or other causes such as previous nuclear weapons testing programs and natural variations.
Radioactivity levels in the South Texas Project's environment frequently fall below the minimum detec-tion capabilities of state-of-the-art scientific instruments.
Samples with radiation levels that cannot be detected are below the Lower Limits of Detection.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires that equipment used for radiological monitoring must be able to detect specified minimum limits for certain types of samples. This ensures that radiation measurements are sufficiently sensitive to detect small changes in the environment.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission also has a required 1-2 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report reporting level. Licensed nuclear facilities must prepare a special report and increase their sampling if any measured radiation level is equal to or greater than this reporting level. No sample from the South Texas Project has ever reached or exceeded this reporting level.Measurements made are divided into four categories or pathways based upon how the results may affect the public. Airborne, waterborne, ingestion, and direct radiation are the four pathways that are sampled.Each pathway is described below.* The airborne pathway is sampled in areas around the South Texas Project by measuring radioac-tivity of iodine and particulate air filters. The 2012 airborne results were similar to per-operational levels with only naturally occurring radioactive material unrelated to the operation of the South Texas Project.* The waterborne pathway includes samples taken from surface water, ground water, and drinking water. Also included in this pathway are sediment samples taken from the Main Cooling Res-ervoir and the Colorado River. Tritium was the only man-made nuclide consistently detected in water samples and was measured in the shallow aquifer, the Main Cooling Reservoir, ditches, and sloughs consistent with the South Texas Project Main Cooling Reservoir operating design. The levels of tritium found were near or lower than the concentration of the Main Cooling Reservoir.
Additional onsite wells have been sampled to map tritium migration.
The average tritium level in the Main Cooling Reservoir decreased slightly in 2012 compared to years past due to a larger volume of water in the reservoir supplied by rainfall during that year. Tritium levels remain well below United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission reporting limits and within United States Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards.
Previously detected plant-related nuclide, Cobalt-60, was also detected in the reservoir sediment this year at the designated sample locations.
Several samples had detectable Cesium-137 which is present in the environment and was detected at pre-operational concentrations.
Offsite sediment samples continue to show no radioactivity from the South Texas Project. In summary, the station produces no detectable water-borne effects offsite.The ingestion pathway includes broadleaf vegetation, agricultural products.
and food products.Naturally occurring isotopes were detected at average environmental levels in the samples. The data indicated that there were no man-made nuclides detected in these types of samples.* The direct exposure pathway measures environmental radiation doses using thermoluminescent dosimeters.
These results are consistent with the readings from previous years and continue to show no effect from plant operations.
The South Texas Project continues to operate with no negative effect on the population or the environ-ment. The dose for people living in the area is maintained at less than one millirem per year. Environ-mental programs at the site monitor known and predictable relationships between the operation of the South Texas Project and the surrounding area. These monitoring programs verify that the operation of the South Texas Project has no impact offsite and is well within state and federal regulations and guide-lines. These programs are verified by United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspections, STP Nuclear Operating Company sponsored quality assurance audits, and the State of Texas through collec-tion and analysis of samples and State radiation monitoring dosimeters.
STP Nuclear Operating Company 1-3 Photo By: Gan, Parker 1-4 STP Nuclear Operating Company
Site and Area Description The South Texas Project is located on 12,220 acres in Matagorda County, Texas, approxi-mately 15 miles southwest of Bay City along the west bank of the Colorado River. The South Texas Project Electric Generating Station is owned by NRG Energy, Inc., Austin Energy, and CPS Energy as tenants in common. Houston Lighting & Power Company was the original project manager of the South Texas Project and was responsible for the engi-neering, design, licensing, construction, startup, and initial commercial operation of the two-unit facility.
In 1997, the STP Nuclear Operating Company assumed operational control of the South Texas Project and responsibility for implementation of associated environmental programs.The South Texas Project has two Westinghouse pressurized water reactors.
The nominal net electrical capacity of each unit is 1,250 megawatts-electric (MWe). Unit I received a low-power testing license on August 21, 1987, achieved initial criticality on March 8, 1988, and was declared commercially operational on August 25, 1988. Unit 2 received a low-power testing license on December 16, 1988, achieved initial criticality on March 12, 1989, and was declared commercially operational on June 19, 1989. The combined units currently produce enough electricity to serve more than two million homes and businesses throughout Texas. With nearly 1,200 baseline employees, the STP Nuclear Operating Company is the largest employer and source of revenue for Matagorda County.Photo By: Ganr Zink 2-2 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report The South Texas Project initiated activities in 2008 to pursue renewal of the operating licenses for Units I and 2 from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The license renewal application was submitted to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commis-sion in October of 2010 to request authorization to operate the South Texas Project, Units I and 2, for an additional 20 years beyond the period specified in the current licenses.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission determined that the South Texas Project submittal was sufficient to enable them to undertake a review of the application.
The re-view process is intended to ensure that the plant's original design and current conditions and programs can allow the facility to continue operating safely beyond its original license. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission signed the License Renewal Draft Supple-mental Environmental Impact Statement on November 6, 2012. Public meetings were sub-sequently held to present the findings of the draft report and accept public comments.In September of 2007, a Combined Construction and Operating License Application (COLA) was filed with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build and oper-ate two additional units, Units 3 and 4, at the South Texas Project. Efforts continue to secure licensing for the two new units. Nuclear energy continues to provide long-term cost stabil-ity and promote energy independence.
It is our nation's largest source of carbon-free energy.As we work collectively to secure our state's long-term energy future, nuclear energy will continue to play an important role as a safe and reliable supply of clean baseload electricity.
How the South Texas Project Works Fossil-fueled and nuclear-powered steam generating plants operate on the same principle.
Fuel is used to produce heat to convert water into high-pressure steam. The steam is di-rected through a turbine to turn a generator.
In a fossil fuel plant, either coal, lignite, oil or natural gas is burned in a boiler to produce the heat. In a nuclear plant, the reactor replaces the boiler and the "fissioning" or splitting of uranium atoms inside the reactor produces the heat.The fuel for a nuclear reactor is uranium. It is formed into cylindrical ceramic pellets, each about the size of the end of your little finger. One pellet has the energy potential of about a ton of coal. Millions of these pellets are stacked in fuel rods that are arranged into assem-blies that make up the core of the reactor. The use of uranium allows us to conserve natural gas, oil and coal and to avoid the associated production of greenhouse gases.The fission process and generation of usable heat begins in a nuclear reactor when control rods in the core are withdrawn.
In pressurized water reactors, like those at the South Texas Project, the fuel rods heat water circulating in sealed, stainless steel piping that passes through large heat exchangers called steam generators.
The water in the reactor is under pressure to prevent boiling. This is why the South Texas Project's Units 1 and 2 reactors are called "pressurized water reactors." STP Nuclear Operating Company 2-3 Site and Area Description This hot, pressurized water heats a separate supply of water in the steam generators to produce steam that is directed through the blades of a turbine generator to produce electricity.
The steam is then fed to a condenser where a separate supply of cooling water from the reservoir turns it back into water that is then pumped back to the steam generator for reuse. A diagram of the plant water systems is shown in Figure 2-1.In addition to its safety systems, the South Texas Project has many built-in physical barriers that would prevent the release of radioactive materials in the unlikely event of an accident.
The most visible ones are the 200-foot-tall, domed containment buildings with steel-reinforced concrete walls four feet thick. Inside each of these massive structures, two more concrete walls provide another 11 feet of shielding.
The reactor vessel itself has steel walls six inches thick. and the fuel pellets inside it are sheathed in hardened metal tubes.Nuclear energy has one of the lowest impacts on the environment.
It is the most eco-efficient energy source because it produces the most electricity in relation to its minimal environmen-tal impact. In 2011, the most recent year for which data is available, nuclear generation in the PLANT WATER SYSTEMS PRESSURIZER SECONDARYLOOP STEAM EGENERATOR GEEAOTURBINE REACTORPUMP CONDENSATE COOLIN PUMP RSVR70CLK t RESERVOIR (7000 ACRE LAKE)PRIMARY LOOP CONTAINMENT COOLING LOOP WALL Figure 2-1 2-4 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report Photo courtes) ol: SIP Corporate Communications United States prevented 613.40 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 1.41 million tons of sulfur dioxide, and 0.54 million tons of nitrogen oxide from entering the Earth's atmosphere.'
Nuclear power plants generate nearly 70 percent of all clean-air electricity in the United States.2 Ad-ditional information on nuclear energy and the environment can be found on the website main-tained by the Nuclear Energy Institute at http://www.nei.org.
The Plant Site Sixty-five of the entire 12,220 acres at the South Texas Project are occupied by the two current power plants. Plant facilities include a 7,000-acre main cooling reservoir and a 47-acre essen-tial cooling pond. Many smaller bodies of water onsite include wetlands, Kelly Lake, drainage ditches, sloughs, and depressions.
Much of the land east of the cooling reservoir is leased for cattle grazing. Approximately 1,700 acres remain in a more natural state as a lowland habitat.A 110-acre wetland habitat area was established in 1996 on previously unused land located northeast of the power plants. The area surrounding the South Texas Project is characterized by coastal plain with farmland and pasture predominating.
Local relief of the area is characterized by flat land, approximately 23 feet above sea level.Nuclear Energy Institute.
Emissions Avoided by the U.S. Nuclear Industry (1995- 2011). http:/i/ww.nei.org, resourcesanidstats/documentlibrary/protecting-the-environment/graphicsandcharts/emissionsavoidedbythe usnclear-industryyearly'.
May 2012.2 Nuclear Energy Institute Fact Sheet. Nuclear Energy and the Environment.
http//www.nei.org/
resourcesandstatsi documentlibrary/protecting-the-environment
/factsheet/nuclearenergyandtheenviromnent/.
July 2012.STP Nuclear Operating Company 2-5 Site and Area Description The Area Matagorda County's economy is based primarily on ranching (cattle), farming agriculture (rice, cotton, sorghum, and corn), oil and natural gas production and refinement, petrochemical produc-tion, electricity generation, and commercial fishing and fisheries.
The area within 10 miles of the site is generally rural and characterized as farmland, which is primarily pastureland used for livestock ranching.
Although the surrounding area is heavily cultivated, significant amounts of woodlands, thicket, brush, fields, marsh, and open water exist to support wildlife.
The area lies in the southern region of the central flyway and is host to an abundance of migratory birds. The local estuary environments provide the necessary habitat for a variety of fish types to complete their life cycles. The area also affords opportunity for recreational hunting and fishing.The South Texas Project is home to many species of animals. Inhabitants include American alliga-tors, ospreys, and several hundred deer. In winter, literally hundreds of thousands of waterfowl, principally migratory geese as well as white pelicans and the common tern, have found that the plant's 7,000-acre cooling reservoir provides a good resting place during their migrations.
The climate of the region is subtropical maritime, with continental influence.
It is characterized by short, mild winters and long, hot and humid summers. Although drought conditions continued in Texas throughout 2012, rainfall normally ranges from about two inches per month in February pcaking to about four to five inches per month in May, June, September and October. The prevail-mg wind direction is from the south-southeast, shifting to north-northeast for short intervals during the winter months.Photo colortesyv of. ST P Corporatc Comoinimcoti,os 2-6 STP Nuclear Operating Company
Non-Radiological Environmental Introduction and Summary Non-radiological environmental conditions and performance at the South Texas Project during 2012 remained satisfactory and demonstrated that the South Texas Project continued to operate in an environmentally responsible manner during the year. The South Texas Project achieved and maintained high standards of environmental performance and compliance throughout 2012.The South Texas Project is committed to the production of electricity in a safe, reliable, and economical manner using nuclear energy. The station's programs, policies and business plan objectives also incorporate a commitment to environmental protection and management.
The station's commitment to sound environmental management is illustrated by the following successes in 2012.* Continued classification as a high performer by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality based on the station's above-average environmental compliance record in all areas considered, including water quality, waste management, and air quality compliance Photo By: Connie Milliff 3-2 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report No regulatory non-compliances identified by outside regulatory agency inspections/audits; and,* No reportable environmental events, spills or leaks.Everyone has a responsibility to protect the environment.
Commitment to environmental responsibility is an integral component of the South Texas Project operating policy and core values. This responsibility reaches further than mere compliance with laws and regulations to encompass the integration of sound environmental practices into our daily operational and business decisions.
The people at the South Texas Project understand the need to balance economic, operational and environmental issues for the benefit of the station and the public.We recognize our responsibility to hold ourselves to the highest principles of environmental stewardship for station activities.
Photo BY: Connie Milliff STP Nuclear Operating Company 3-3 Photo Bv. Paid TraviN 3-4 STP Nuclear Operating Company
Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This section of the report describes the South Texas Project's non-radiological environmental program performance and environmental conditions from January 1 through December 31, 2012.The STP Nuclear Operating Company closely monitors environmental conditions and perfor-mance at the South Texas Project. NRG Energy, Inc. provides support and technical assistance to the South Texas Project. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality conducted three compliance evaluation inspections in 2012 for air quality, wastewater treatment and for the sta-tion's potable water supply systems. No findings or violations were identified.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rated the South Texas Project as a high per-former in 2012 based on the station's above-average environmental compliance record. Facili-ties, such as the South Texas Project, are classified by the state as a high performer, average performer, or poor performer based on that facility's compliance history. The state's classifica-tion of the South Texas Project as a high performer was based on the station's environmental performance over the last five year period. In addition, the STP Nuclear Operating Company continued to participate in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality CLEAN TEXAS program as a bronze-level member in 2012.The South Texas Project, along with other local industries and organizations, co-sponsored and participated in the annual Matagorda County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in the fall of 2012. STP Nuclear Operating Company formed an employee-led group, the STP Green Team, in 2008 to encourage and promote sustainable "green" initiatives and policies at the sta-tion and among employees.
In 2012, the STP Green Team continued to promote many "green" initiatives, including a "Turn Off Lights" campaign for energy conservation, encouraging car-pooling among employees, recycling of plastics and aluminum, the use of biodegradable con-tainers in the station cafeteria, edu-cational events on conservation and recycling for site employees.
The hazardous STP Green team had employee par- lStl e collection ticipation in community area proj-0. 2012 EVENT SPONSORS: ects such as the county's "House- .LyondellBasell
.OXEA Celanese .Chevron-Phillips .Clean Harbors
- LEPC hSTP Nuclear Operating Company. Zachry (Phillips
& Lyondell)-Whamco hold Hazardous Waste Collection Matagorda County -City of Bay City* Baycel FCU, Wharton County Junior College Day", Matagorda County Beach r The health and safety of our families, neghborhoods ad evironment are Clea upandan -W ase C lle tio -0threatened whenl household hazardous waste iT stored or disposed of improperly!
Cleanup, and an E-Waste Collection...............
day for employees.
The station also H 4 .eouseold.Used MOror 0, FARM I BUSINESS WASTE Haleardlous continued to support various bird EXPOSIVES Waste SR)AD IOACTIVE MATERIAL Collection Day!Werae F ras l -so glll IOX(INS counts and surveys in 2012 spon- -Old ...... T For more d" info~rmatin cal*Pesticides I Herbcie e -MAGAZINES o , NEW VSPAPERS n o m to ,c l sored by federal and state agencies COMPRESSED ASCYLNERS RubenGonzales and volunteer organizations such ... I ....... F (979) 244-2717* ididenOty Thef as the annual National Audubon*Fvdmture Pol1- !Wood Pleseltivwel -c 1 .- it-, --k -l Society Christmas Bird Count, the* * ~~~~~~Batteries
[Aut Rec dla dreabiE. Alka llde ; ~ n tl m n Great Texas Birding Classic, and .o ..........
(11th ......*Tires (8) NO 5.emi or Tracto T,,es I.."m Tý. .1-1or the United States Fish and Wildlife -.........
P Cell Phones Service Colonial Waterbird Survey.4-2 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report AQUATIC AND ECOLOGICAL MONITORING The location of the South Texas Project falls within the Texas Land Resource Area designation as coastal prairie and can be divided into two broad ecological areas based on topography, soils, and vegetation.
The bottomland lowland habitat is a swampy, marshy area that provides an impor-tant habitat for birds and other wildlife and occupies approximately 1,700 acres of the site near the Colorado River. A spoil impoundment constructed in 1972 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers is included in this area. In addition, a 110-acre wetland habitat area that attracts a variety of bird groups and other wildlife was established in 1996 on previously unused land lo-cated northeast of the power plants. In 2012, the Matagorda County chapter of Ducks Unlimited awarded the station the John Runnels Good Steward Award for maintenance of the wetland habi-tat area. The remaining area of the site offers diverse habitats for mammals and several types of birds. The South Texas Project regularly monitors the site's environs for changing conditions.
Ecological conditions onsite in 2012 remained generally unchanged and satisfactory.
The South Texas Project is located on the state-sponsored Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail that spans the entire Texas Gulf Coast from Brownsville to the Louisiana border. Matagorda County, which includes the South Texas Project, consistently ranks at or near the top of the National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count for the number of species identified.
Several bird species listed on the state and federal threatened or endangered species lists have been ob-served visiting the wetland habitat and elsewhere onsite. These include the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, wood stork, white-faced ibis, brown pelican and white-tailed hawk. Additional migratory and resident bird species such as a variety of ducks, geese, turkey and pelicans (both brown and white) have been observed dur-ing informal surveys of the site's diverse natural and man-made habitats.
Intensive bird nesting continues throughout the lowland habitat, particularly in a heron rookery around the perimeter of Kelly Lake. U. S. Fish and Wild-life Service biologists estimate that approximately one-third of Texas' breeding adult Gull-billed Tern population, considered to be in decline, nest on the inter-nal dikes of the Main Cooling Reservoir at the South Texas Project. The South Texas Project continues to provide vital habitat for more than an estimated 125 different species of wintering and Photo B: Gan, Parkev resident birds.STP Nuclear Operating Company 4-3 Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report The South Texas Project continues to monitor important wildlife species to detect population changes. Informal observations by station and NRG Energy, Inc. personnel continue to indicate that the site provides high-quality habitat in which a wide range of animals live. The site contin-ues to attract extensive wildlife populations, offering a refuge for resident species as well as sea-sonal migrants.
The lowland habitat located between the Colorado River and the east bank of the Main Cooling Reservoir offers a significant source of water year-round.
These natural resource areas, in concert with numerous additional wetland and grassland areas, offer the key ingredients necessary to sustain the extensive wildlife population at the South Texas Project.WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT Water is an essential component in electricity production, and all electric utilities must comply with extensive federal, state and local water regulations.
These regulations govern virtually ev-ery aspect of business operations at the South Texas Project. Water usage, wastewater treatment onsite and certain maintenance and repair activities are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, and the Texas Water Quality Act. Collectively, these acts pro-vide for the safeguarding of public drinking water supplies and maintaining the integrity of state and federal waters. Regulating agencies that administer these requirements include the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas General Land Office and the Lower Colorado River Authority.
4-4 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report J-hjoto By: SI 1- Corporate Communicatons The South Texas Project uses both surface water and groundwater for station purposes.
Ground-water is pumped from deep aquifer wells to provide onsite drinking water for station personnel, to replenish the Essential Cooling Pond, and for other industrial purposes onsite. Consistent with the station's environmental principles encouraging efficient water usage and conservation, groundwater usage is carefully managed to conserve this important resource.
Water from the Main Cooling Reservoir and the Essential Cooling Pond is used as cooling water for plant activi-ties. Water from the Colorado River replenishes the Main Cooling Reservoir via intermittent pumping periods. Surface water diverted to the Main Cooling Reservoir from the Colorado River accounted for almost 99 percent of the water used at the South Texas Project in 2012. Informa-tion regarding water use in Texas can be found on the website maintained by the Texas Water Development Board at http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/.
Most of the water used by the South Texas Project is needed to condense steam and provide cool-ing for plant generating systems. The majority of this water is drawn from and returned to the station's Main Cooling Reservoir.
The Main Cooling Reservoir is a 7,000-acre, above grade, off-channel reservoir capable of impounding 202,600 acre-feet of water at its maximum level. Water is diverted intermittently from the adjacent Colorado River to replenish the Main Cooling Reser-voir. In addition, the Essential Cooling Pond, a 47-acre, below grade, off-channel reservoir that supplies water to cool crucial plant components, is capable of impounding 388 acre-feet of water.Various water rights permits. contractual agreements, and compliance documents authorize the South Texas Project to maintain these reservoirs, impound water diverted from the Colorado River, and to circulate, divert, and use water from the reservoirs for industrial purposes to oper-ate the plant. These permits also limit the rate of diversion from the Colorado River. Although prolonged and widespread drought conditions in the latter part of the year limited the amount of STP Nuclear Operating Company 4-5 Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report water available for diversion from the river, the South Texas Project diverted 79,559 acre-feet in 2012 from the Colorado River for Main Cooling Reservoir fill operations in the first part of the year while preserving adequate freshwater flow conditions for downstream bay and estuarine ecosystems.
Approximately 1 percent, or 977 acre-feet, of the water used by the station was withdrawn from onsite groundwater sources in 2012.Existing federal and state water quality standards are implemented and enforced through the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit program to restore and maintain the state's waters. Under this permit program, the South Texas Project monitors, records, and reports the types and quantities of pollutants from wastewater discharges to ensure that we meet or exceed the stringent levels set in the permit. A monthly monitoring report is submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for wastewater discharges.
In 2009, the South Texas Project applied for a renewal of this wastewater discharge permit and the final permit was issued by the state in April of 2012. Reports identifying ground and surface water use are submit-ted annually to the Texas Water Development Board. Reports of diversion and consumptive use are submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. An annual groundwater use report is also submitted to the Coastal Plains Groundwater Conservation District.Wastewater generated at the South Texas Project is processed and discharged to the onsite Main Cooling Reservoir to be re-used by the station as cooling water for plant systems. No water was discharged from the reservoir in 2012. Station conditions did not require site aquatic monitoring studies be conducted in 2012. nor were any additional studies required by the United States En-vironmental Protection Agency or the State of Texas either by way of station discharge permits or otherwise.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality conducted an onsite inspection in 2012 for compliance with applicable requirements for wastewater treatment.
No findings or violations were identified.
Wastewater discharges met state and federal water quality standards during the year while conserving and maximizing efficient water usagc at the station.In addition to the wastewater discharge permit program, the Federal Clean Wa-ter Act, as amended. requires permits for storm water discharges associated with industrial activity.
The South Texas Project Storm Water Pollution Preven-tion Plan ensures that potential pollution sources at the site are evaluated and that appropriate measures are selected and implemented to prevent or control the discharge of pollutants in storm water runoff. This plan is a working docu-ment that is revised whenever there is a change in design, construction, operation, or maintenance that has a significant effect on the potential for the discharge of pollutants from the station. Photo BY: Barbara Carnle/v 4-6 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report Following a severe drought in 1996. the Texas Legislature recognized the need to address a wide range of state water resource manage-ment issues. In 1997, the Texas Senate drafted legislation known as Senate Bill I to address these issues and to develop a comprehensive state water policy. Towards this end, this legislation required that the Texas Water De-velopment Board create a statewide water plan that emphasizes regional planning.
Sixteen planning regions were created, each tasked to prepare a regional plan for the orderly develop-ment, management and conservation of water resources.
The South Texas Project was chosen to represent the electric generating utility inter-est for the water-planning region, Region K, encompassing the lower Colorado River Basin.A state water plan is prepared by the Texas Water Development Board based on the regional Photo BY. Frank Cox water plans that are developed every five years by the regional water planning groups. The fourth cycle of regional and state water planning commenced in 2011 and will extend through 2016. For the fourth cycle of regional planning, the 2010 U.S. Census data will be used as the basis for revision of the regional water plans includ-ing the associated population and water demand projections, water supply analyses and water management strategies for a water planning horizon out to the year 2070. The South Texas Project continues to actively participate in the Lower Colorado Regional Water Planning Group to identify strategies to meet future water supply demand projections for the region and update the existing plan accordingly.
Additional information regarding regional water planning in Texas can be found on the website maintained by the Texas Water Development Board at http://www.
twdb. state.tx.
us/.Senate Bill I also required groundwater conservation districts to develop groundwater manage-ment plans with estimates on the availability of groundwater in the district, details of how the district would manage groundwater, and management goals for the district.
The water planning and management provisions were further clarified in 2001 with the enactment of Senate Bill 2.Accordingly, the Coastal Plains Groundwater Conservation District encompassing Matagorda County was confirmed by local election in late 2001. The purpose of the District is to " manage and protect the groundwater resources of the District." The South Texas Project actively partici-pated in development of the Coastal Plains Groundwater Conservation district rules prior to their initial adoption and also in subsequent amendment activities in 2012. The South Texas Project groundwater wells are registered with the Coastal Plains Groundwater Conservation District and the District last renewed the operating permit for the station's groundwater wells in 2011.The station continues to monitor onsite groundwater usage according to the requirements of the District's rules. Additional information regarding the Coastal Plains Groundwater Conservation District can be found on their website at http://www.coastalplainsgcd.com'/.
STP Nuclear Operating Company 4-7 Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report In 2007, in further recognition of the importance of water conservation to meet future demands in the state, Senate Bill 3 passed by the Texas Legislature created a stakeholder-driven process for the development of environmental flows. Environmental flows are the amount of water necessary for a river, estuary or other freshwater system to maintain its health and productiv-ity. The law established a process to develop environmental flow regime recommendations for each major river basin in Texas. The process tasked a team of stakeholders for each area of the state working with a science team to develop a set of recommendations to submit to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The South Texas Project participated as a member of the stakeholder committee that included the Colorado River and Matagorda Bay. In August of 2011 the stakeholder committee recommendations for the Colorado River Basin were submit-ted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The commission after considering these recommendations, along with public input, adopted formal environmental flow standards that must be maintained.
The environmental flow standards set flow levels at various points in rivers and streams to protect water in the rivers and estuaries along the coast. As a follow up to the initial flow recommendations, the stakeholder committee submitted a Draft Work Plan to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in June of 2012. The Draft Work Plan addresses additional efforts needed for research and data development to support a planned review of the environmental flow standards in 2021. The existing South Texas Project surface water diversion right is not impacted by this legislation.
Additional information regarding environmental flows can be found at http:/iwww.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/water supply/waterrights/eflowsi.
[Photo Bv: Barbau Cccnnlc 4-8 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report In January 2010, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved a revised Lower Colorado River Authority Water Management Plan. The Water Management Plan determines how water is allocated from the Highland Lakes (specifically lakes Travis and Buchanan) to meet the needs of water users, including the South Texas Project, during water supply shortages.
As part of the of January 2010 approval of the revised Water Management Plan, the Texas Commis-sion on Environmental Quality directed the Lower Colorado River Authority to file an applica-tion to revise the Water Management Plan no later than July of 2013. To assist with this update, the Lower Colorado River Authority assembled an advisory committee to represent the diverse interests that rely on the Highlands Lakes water supply. The advisory committee included repre-sentatives from cities, industry, lake area business and residents, the environment and agriculture.
The advisory committee started in July 2010 and completed its recommendations in late 2011.The South Texas Project represented industrial firm water customers on the advisory committee.
Recommendations by the advisory committee to be incorporated into a revised Water Manage-ment Plan include, among other things, use of two trigger points during the year (January 1 and June 1) to determine how much stored water from the lakes would be available for agriculture instead of one trigger point on January 1. The Lower Colorado River Authority Board of Direc-tors approved the revised plan February of 2012. It was then sent to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for final approval.
The plan is currently under technical review by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Additional information on the Water Management Plan can be found at http://www.lcra.org.
In 1999, the South Texas Project de-veloped, submitted and implemented an initial station Water Conservation Plan in accordance with state water use regulations.
The purpose of the station's Water Conservation Plan is to identify and establish principles, practices, and standards to effectively conserve and efficiently use available water supplies and provide historical and projected average industrial water demand. An-nual implementation reports are submit- .ted to the Texas Water Development Board. The South Texas Project person-nel understand that the water resources of the state are a critical natural resource requiring careful management and conservation to preserve water quality and availability.
Accordingly, the station continues to explore and support efforts focusing on the efficient use of water resources and reduction of water waste.STP Nuclear Operating Company 4-9 Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT Air emission sources at the South Texas Project fall under the scope of air pollution regulations promulgated under the Texas Clean Air Act and the Federal Clean Air Act and the numerous associated amendments.
The purpose of these regulations is to protect air resources from pollu-tion by controlling or abating air pollution and emissions.
The South Texas Project uses small amounts of fossil fuel for backup and emergency equipment.
Regulated emission sources at the South Texas Project include a fossil-fuel boiler, diesel-powered emergency generators and fire pumps, fire-fighting training, and other minor maintenance equipment and activities.
The station submits a report of air emissions annually to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.The South Texas Project has one fossil fuel-fired auxiliary steam boiler available to furnish steam for plant use when steam is not available from the nuclear steam supply system. In addition to the auxiliary steam boiler, a number of fossil-fueled diesel generators are located onsite. These diesels are designed to provide emergency power to various plant systems or buildings in the event of a loss of power. This equipment is not normally needed for daily operations and the station does not use it to produce electricity for distribution.
Routine maintenance runs are con-ducted to ensure availability if needed and for equipment maintenance.
Photo BY: Jodie Jonkauskas 4-10 STP Nuclear Operating Company I 2012 Environmental Report In 1990, amendments to the Federal Clean Air Act mandated a permitting program to clearly define applicable air quality requirements for affected facilities such as the South Texas Proj-ect. This program is commonly known as the Title V Federal Operating Permit Program and is administered by the state. The station's Federal Operating Permit grants authority to operate identified emission sources at the station in accordance with applicable permit and regulatory re-quirements.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality conducted an inspection in 2012 for compliance with applicable requirements for air quality as identified in the station's Federal Operating Permit. No findings or violations were identified.
Unlike conventional electrical generating stations, nuclear power plants do not burn fossil fuel for production of electricity.
Therefore, the South Texas Project produces virtually no greenhouse gases or other air pollutants that are the typical by-products of industrial production processes.
The use of emissions-free nuclear power is a significant contributor to the preservation of our community's clean air resources.
NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT Solid waste management procedures for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes generated at the South Texas Project ensure that wastes are properly dispositioned in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental and health regulations.
By regulatory definition, solid waste includes solid, semi-solid, liquid, and gaseous waste material.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which administers the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act and also the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act program, is the primary agency regulating non-radioactive wastes generated at the South Texas Project. The Texas Commission on Environ-mental Quality regulates the collection, handling, storage, and disposal of solid wastes, including hazardous wastes. The transportation of waste materials is regulated by the United States De-partrnent of Transportation.
The South Texas Project is classified as a small quantity generator of industrial solid wastes.Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations require that industrial solid wastes generated at the South Texas Project be identified to the Commission.
These are listed in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Notice of Registration for the South Texas Project.The registration is revised whenever there is a change in waste management practices at the site.Hazardous waste and Class I non-hazardous waste handling and disposal activities are summa-rized and documented in a waste summary report for the South Texas Project that is submitted annually to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.Hazardous waste accumulation at the South Texas Project in 2012 was limited to a maximum holding period of 180 days. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act also requires the use of proper storage and shipping containers, labels, mani-fests, reports, personnel training, a spill control plan. and an accident contingency plan. Plant personnel routinely inspect areas throughout the site to ensure wastes are not stored or accumu-lated inappropriately.
STP Nuclear Operating Company 4-11 Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report Station policies and regulations encourage the recycling, recovery, or re-use of waste when pos-sible to reduce the amount of waste generated or disposed of in landfills.
Approximately 74 per-cent, well more than half, of the industrial non-radioactive waste generated in 2012 at the South Texas Project was recycled or processed for re-use. (Reference Figure 4-1) Used oil, diesel fuels. electro-hydraulic fluid and used oil filters are sent to a recycling vendor for re-processing.
Empty polyethylene drums are returned.
when possible.
to the original manufacturer for re-use.Non-hazardous blast grit and construction debris were also shipped for recycle in 2012. Site recycling programs for cardboard, paper, aluminum and plastic result in the collection of several tons of material each year. In 2012, the station collected more than 39 tons of cardboard, 13 tons of paper, I ton of aluminum and 11 tons of plastic for recycling.
In addition, approximately 74 tons of scrap metal were removed from the station for recycle in 2012. Recycling efforts in 2012 also included 89 square yards of carpet and almost I ton of printer cartridges returned for recy-cling. The station continues to explore new areas where recycling may be expanded or initiated.
Non-radioactive solid waste that cannot be shipped for recycling is shipped for disposal.
Mu-nicipal-type trash is transported to an offsite landfill.
Successful waste minimization and source reduction efforts by employees have allowed the South Texas Project to remain classified as a small-quantity generator since 2004. Hazardous waste accounts for only a small portion of the waste generated at the South Texas Project; however, minimization and reduction of hazardous waste generation where feasible remains an important goal at the station. (Reference Figures 4-2 and 4-3)4-12 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report 2012 Nonradioactive Waste Management South Texas Project Biological Treatment 5%/-I Incineration
&Fuel Blending 2%'Landfill 19%Figure 4-1 2012 Nonradioactive Waste Generation South Texas Project Non-Hazardous Waste 99.7%universal Waste Hazardous Waste, 0.2%0.1%Figure 4-2 STP Nuclear Operating Company 4-13 Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report Hazardous Waste Shipped Historical Comparison South Texas Project 4 3 1,2 0 -_V .T: f -1o94 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Figure 4-3 CHEMICAL CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT The station's Integrated Spill Contingency Plan for the South Texas Project Electric Generat-ing Station, updated and re-certified in 2009, consolidates multiple federal and state require-ments into one plan. The plan is implemented through standard site operating procedures and guidelines.
The South Texas Project uses standard operating procedures, policies, and programs to minimize the generation of waste materials, control chemical usage and prevent spills. The South Texas Project also evaluates chemicals and products proposed for use which could come in contact with plant components.
Site procedures address the evaluation, storage, use, spill con-trol, and disposal requirements of chemicals.
These guidelines assist in reducing waste genera-tion. ensure proper packaging for disposal and mitigate the consequences of inadvertent spillage.The South Texas Project emphasizes awareness training for spill prevention and maintains station readiness to respond should a spill occur. Spill response team members receive annual refresher training in hazardous material incident response.
No reportable, significant or consequential spills occurred in 2012.4-14 STP Nuclear Operating Company Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report Hazardous Waste Shipped Historical Comparison South Texas Project 4 3 0_J 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Figure 4-3 CHEMICAL CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT The station's Integrated Spill Contingency Plan for the South Texas Project Electric Generat-ing Station, updated and re-certified in 2009, consolidates multiple federal and state require-ments into one plan. The plan is implemented through standard site operating procedures and guidelines.
The South Texas Project uses standard operating procedures, policies, and programs to minimize the generation of waste materials, control chemical usage and prevent spills. The South Texas Project also evaluates chemicals and products proposed for use which could come in contact with plant components.
Site procedures address the evaluation, storage, use, spill con-trol, and disposal requirements of chemicals.
These guidelines assist in reducing waste genera-tion, ensure proper packaging for disposal and mitigate the consequences of inadvertent spillage.The South Texas Project emphasizes awareness training for spill prevention and maintains station readiness to respond should a spill occur. Spill response team members receive annual refresher training in hazardous material incident response.
No reportable.
significant or consequential spills occurred in 2012.4-14 STP Nuclear Operating Company 2012 Environmental Report ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN STATUS The South Texas Project's Environmental Protection Plan was issued in March of 1989 to pro-vide for the protection of non-radiological environmental values during operation of the South Texas Project. This report reviews Environmental Protection Plan non-compliances, if any, identified by the plant in 2012 and the associated corrective actions taken to prevent their recur-rence. Potential nonconformities are promptly addressed, as identified, to maintain operations in an environmentally acceptable manner. The station uses its Corrective Action Program to docu-ment these conditions and track corrective actions to completion.
Internal assessments, reviews and inspections are also used to document plant compliance.
This report also reviews non-routine reports submitted by plant personnel and any activities that involved a potentially significant unreviewed environmental question.
A proposed change, test or experiment is considered to present an unreviewed environmental question if it concerns: I ) A matter that may result in a significant increase in any adverse environmental impact previously evaluated in the Final Environmental Statement related to the Operation of South Texas Project, Units I and 2 (Docket Nos. 50-498 and 50-499), environmental impact appraisals, or in any decisions of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board: or, 2) A significant change in effluents or power level: or, 3) A matter not previously reviewed and evaluated in the documents specified in (1) above, that may have a significant adverse environmental impact.No unreviewed environmental questions were identified in 2012.Events that require reports to federal, state or lo-cal agencies other than the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission are reported in accor-dance with the applicable reporting requirements.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commis-sion is provided with a copy of any such report at the time it is submitted to the cognizant agency.If a non-routine event occurs and a report is not required by another agency, then a 30-day report to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commis-sion is required by the Environmental Protection Plan. No such 30-day or other non-routine report of this type was required in 2012.rft1010) iai -0afKell STP Nuclear Operating Company 4-15 Photo By: Gaor Parkey 4-16 STP Nuclear Operating Company