ML20210N002

Recommends Issuance of Amend to License SNM-1168,authorizing Storage of U-308 in 55 Gallon Drums Outside Outer Shipping Container,But Still within Secondary Encl

ML20210N002
Person / Time
Site:	07001201
Issue date:	09/27/1986
From:	Crow W, Ketziach N NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
To:	NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
Shared Package
ML20210N000	List: ML20210M993 ML20210N002 ML20210N010
References
NUDOCS 8610060304
Download: ML20210N002 (2)

Text

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4 SEP 2 71986 FCUP:NK DOCKET NO: 70-1201 LICENSEE: Babcock & Wilcox FACILITY: Commercial Nuclear Fuel Plant (CNFP)

SUBJECT:

REVIEW 0F LICENSE AMENDMENT APPLICATION DATED AUGUST 14, 1986, AND ITS SUPPLEMENT DATED

<- SEPTEMBER 9, 1986

Background Babcock & Wilcox, Commercial Nuclear Fuel Plant (CNFP), by application dated August 14, 1986, and its supplement dated September 9, 1986, requested authorization to store U Oo in 55-gallon drums outside of the presently authorizedfreightcontalnMrs. At the present time, the CNFP is authorized to store the drums only inside 20-foot freight containers authorized for 4

transport. Although the freight containers serve as a barrier to personnel access, the CNFP monitoring program has indicated that long-term drum storage

inside the freight containers causes accelerated deterioration of the 55-gallon drums.

The tops of the 20-foot containers are essentially flat, have tended to trap rainwater, and have not permitted adequate drainage. In addition, the heat and humidity in the storage area (this sumer) have caused extreme quantities of condensation to form and collect on the tops and sides of the drums (the large freight containers have no ventilation capabilities). This permits accelerated rusting of the drums.

Therefore, CNFP requests the alternate storage of the drums outside the large freight containers but protected from the elements inside another structure such as a building or trailer. CNFP will retain the present safe storage criteria (e.g., limiting combustibles in the area, maintaining the storage area under weed control, minimum distance from a paved driveway, periodic monitoring of the area to detect leaks, visually inspect the area to determine adequacy of storage).

Discussion

A. Radiation Safety Storage of the 55-gallon drums outside their 20-foot long shipping containers but inside another enclosure (e.g., building, trailer) should provide better protection to the drums against the outside environment.

Moreover, the drums should be easier to monitor for leaks. Therefore, radiation safety in the storage area is enhanced.

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Babcock & Wilcox SER 2 SEP 2 71986 i

B. Nuclear Criticality Safety Since the U390 being stored is natural uranium, there is no potential criticality problem related to the drum storage.

C. Environmental Effects The . storage of the drums outside their 20-foot long shipping containers but within a structure protecting them from the environment should minimize the potential for leakage to the environment. No effluents will ,

be generated for offsite release. Therefore, there is no increase in the potential for or consequences from radiological accidents; and in accordance with 10 CFR 51.22(c)(11), neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is warranted for this proposed action.

D. General The amendment application dated August 14, 1986, and its supplement dated September 9,1986, were discussed with Mr. John B. Kahle, Region II Inspector of the facility on September 23, 1986. He foresaw no safety or environmental problem with the requested authorization.

Conclusion Issuance of the amendment authorizing the storage of the 3g U 0 in the 55-gallon drums outside their outer shipping containers but 5till within a secondary enclosure (e.g., building, trailer) is recommended.

Ariginal Signed By:

Norman Ketzlach Uranium Process Licensing Section Uranium Fuel Licensing Branch Division of Fuel Cycle and aMalkW,M original signed By:

Approved by:

W. T. Crow, Section Leader OFC:FCU FCUP :FCUF g :FCUF  :  :

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OFFICIAL' RECORD COPY

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