NRC-99-0020, 1998 Annual Non-Radiological Environ Operating Rept. with

1998 Annual Non-Radiological Environ Operating Rept. with

ML20206D438
Person / Time
Site:	Fermi
Issue date:	12/31/1998
From:	Gipson D DETROIT EDISON CO.
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
CON-NRC-99-0020, CON-NRC-99-20 NUDOCS 9905040111
Download: ML20206D438 (12)

Text

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Douglas R. Gipson Senior Vice President, Nuclear Generation j

. l Feral 2 6400 North Dixie Hwy., Newport, Michigan 481titi

,, ,. Tel: 3D1I3863201 Fax 313 586.4172 Detroit Edison 1

April 30,1999 NRC-99-0020 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attention: Document Control Desk Washington DC 20555

References:

1) Fermi 2 NRC Docket No. 50-341 NRC License No. NPF-43

Subject:

Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report Pursuant to Section 5.4.1 of the Environmental Protection Plan, attached is the 1998 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report for Fermi 2.

If you have any questions regarding this report, please contact Lynda Craine, Supervisor l Environmental Control, at (734) 586-4970.

I Sincerely, ,

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Enclosure cc: J. E. Dyer A. J. Kugler A.J. Vegel 1 M. V. Yudasz, Jr.

NRC Residents Office Region III Wayne County Emergency Management Division 9905040111 981231 3 %

DR ADOCK 0 J bef 5I b u  ;

'gFermi 2 M'an 1998 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report Detroit Edison - Fermi 2 6400 North Dixie Highway Newport, MI 48166 Reporting Peciod:

January 1,1998 to December 31,1998 Prepared by:

Fermi 2 Environmental, Safety and Health d

. 1 1998 AnnualNon-Radiological

, F.nvironmental Operating Report Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page1 1998 ANNUAL NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT l

TABLE OF CONTENTS j Section Page Number Number j 1.0 EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

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2.0 INTRODUCTION

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2.1 Purpose 3 2.2 Environmental Protection Plan Overview 3 2.3 Annual Report Objectives 4 l 2.4 Site Description 5  !

2.5 Plant Operations Summary 5 3.0 TERRESTRIAL MONITORING 6 j 4.0 HERBICIDE MONITORING 7 1 1

5.0 AQUATIC MONITORING 8 l i

6.0 EPP NONCOMPLIANCE 9 I i

7.0 DESIGN OR OPERATION CHANGES 9 j 8.0 UNUSUAL OR IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS 10 l

9.0 CONCLUSION

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1998 AnnualNon-Radiological I t.

Environmental Operating Report j Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page 2 i

1998 ANNUAL NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT l 1.0 EXECUTIVE S'NMARY l i

In 1998, the Environmental Program at the Detroit Edison Enrico Fermi Energy Center (Fermi 2) successfully maintained compliance with the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) and all applicable environmental regulations.

The following is a brief summary of the 1998 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental l Report:

1 e No terrestrial monitoring activities were conducted, or required. Based on the j findings of the terrestrial monitoring program, which was concluded in 1994, no further aerial-photographic evaluations are planned.

. Seven different herbicides were approved and utilized on site. All herbicide applications were recorded and maintained, as required by the EPP.

• Effluent discharges remained in compliance with the site's National Pollution <

Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. l 1

• There were no incidents of EPP noncompliance at Fermi 2. l 1

• During the period covered by this report, there were no changes to station design that l created an unreviewed environmental question, per the requirements and definitions i of the EPP. l

• No unusual or important environmental events, as defined by the EPP, occurred.

Accordingly, no non-routine reports were submitted.

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1998 AnnualNon-Radiological Environmtntal Operating Report l

Detroit Edison Fermi 2 )

Page 3 1998 ANNUAL NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT

2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), site personnel, and the public with information regarding the implementation of the Non-Radiological Environmental Protection Program at the Detroit Edison Enrico Fermi Energy Center (Fermi 2). This report is due prior to May 1 of each year and meets the requirements specified in section 5.4.1 of the Fermi 2 Non-Radiological Environmental Protection Plan (EPP), which is included in Appendix B of the Facility Operating License No. NPF-43, 2.2 Environmental Protection Plan Overview As part of Fermi 2's applications for nuclear power plant construction and operating licenses, extensive environmental studies were conducted to evaluate potential non-radiological environmental risks that could result from the construction and operation of Fermi 2. In August 1981, the NRC published the Final Environmental Statement (FES) for the operation of Fermi 2. The FES was developed pursuult to the guidelines of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 51.

The EPP was prepared, based on the potential environmental risks and monitoring requirements identified in the FES. The purpose of the EPP is to provide for the protection of environmental values during any additional construction and the continued operation of Fermi 2. The principle objectives of the EPP are as follows:

1. Verify that Fermi 2 is operated in an environmentally acceptable manner, as established by the FES and environmental impact assessments.

2. Coordinate NRC requirements and maintain consistency with other Federal, State and local requirements for environmental protection.

~ 3. Keep the NRC informed of the environmental effects of facility construction and operation, and of actions taken to control those effects. J

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1 1998 Annual Non-Rtdiological l Environmtntal Operating Report Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page 4 The components of the EPP are as follows:

1. A terrestrial monitoring program to detect fong-term or sudden changes in vegetation that may be attributable to the dispersion of Fermi 2 cooling-tower vapor. The terrestrial monitoring program was completed in 1994, after 4 successive monitoring cycles were completed, as required.

2. A program to establish the controlled use of herbicides.

3. A program to ensure that changes to Fermi 2's design or operation and potential tests or experiments are adequately reviewed prior to implementation to avoid adverse environmental impacts not previously evaluated. Changes in plant design, operation, tests or experiments which do not effect the environment or which are required to achieve compliance with other Federal, State or local environmental regulations, are not subject to the requirements of this EPP.

4. Routine monitoring for evidence of unusual or important environmental events.

5. Any changes, renewals or stayed appeals to the Fenri 2 National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, or the State certification, must be reported to .

4 the NRC within 30 days.

2.3 Annual Report Objectives According to Section 5.4.1 of the EPP, the required objectives of the Annual Report are as follows:

• Provide summaries and analyses of the results of enviromnental protection activities conducted in the following areas: unusual or important environmental events; and, ,

terrestrial monitoring, which includes aerial remote sensing and herbicide applications. Where applicable, the report should compare these activities to pre-operational studies, operational controls, observed environmental impacts, and previous non-radiological environmental monitoring reports. If harmful effects or I~

evidence of trends towards irreversible damage to the environment are identified, provide detailed data analysis and a proposed course of action to correct the problem.

• Describe any changes to Fermi 2's design, operation, tests or experiments that were implemented without adequate review that adversely impacted, or could have adversely impacted, the environment, in accordance with Section 3.1 of the EPP.

• Describe any noncompliance with the EPP and the corrective actions taken to correct the situation.

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1998 AnnualNon Radiological

. Environrnental Operating Report Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page5

• Describe any nonroutine reports submitted to the NRC as the result of an unusual or  !

important environmental event, in accordance with Section 5.4.2 of the EPP.

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2.4 Site Description Fermi 2 operates a 1,154 megawatt General Electric Boiling Water Reactor 4 Nuclear Power Plant. The Fermi 2 power block is situated in the northeast quarter of a 1,120-acre site that is located approximately 8 miles east-northeast of Monroe, Michigan and 20 r miles southwest of Detroit, Michigan. The site is fenced with locked or guarded gates.

Also on site is the Enrico Fermi 1 Power Plant (Fermi 1). Fermi 1 was an experimental fast breeder reactor that is presently in a safe storage condition. Subsequent to shut down, an oil-fired boiler was constructed. This boiler has not been operated since 1980, ,

however, the general service water system is still in use. l Contiguous to the site are four oil-fired combustion turbine generators, which are periodically operated during periods of high electricity demand.

i The site is bounded on the north by Swan Creek, on the east by Lake Erie, on the south by Pointe Aux Peaux Road, and on the west by a private road owned by Detroit Edison. I The northern and southern areas of the site are dominated by large lagoons. The western side of the site is predominately covered by several wood lots and a series of small quarry lakes. Site elevation ranges from approximately 25 feet above lake level on the i western edge of the site to lake level on the eastem edge.

.2.5 Plant Operations Summary In January 1998, reactor power was at 96% power for most of the month except for one downpower to 80% for control rod pattem adjustments. On February 1, a faulty relay j board in the 345 kv mat initiated a turbine trip which subsequently caused a reactor  !

scram. The plant entered FO 98-01 which lasted thirteen days. On February 14, the plant was restarted. Reactor power was returned to 96% on February 18.

l Power remained at 96% for the rest of February and most of March. In February, power j was reduced slightly twice for rod adjustments. The only downpower in March occurred j when problems arose with the 'B' recire, pump speed controller. A bad circuit card {

caused operators to lock the scoop tube in place to maintain satisfactory pump 4 performance. Once the circuit card was replaced, the pump began to function as expected.

In April, power was reduced to 55% for a turbine valves surveillance, rod scram timing l surveillances, and a rod pattern adjustment. The reactor ran consistently for the l

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1998 AnnualNon-Radiological Environmental Operating Report Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page 6 remainder of the month at 96% power. On May 5, power was reduced to 24% due to problems with the feedwater level controller. Power remained at 24% for a couple of days, until it was returned to 96% after some rod pattern adjustments. Power was reduced on May 24 for 2 days, after problems arose with the 'B' reactor recirculation  ;

pump scoop tube. On May' 30, power was reduced for scram solenoid pilot valve replacement and testing. Power was returned to 96% on June 3.

Power remained at 96% until June 25, when the #1 LP Intercept Valve closed. Power was reduced to 80% for less than a day. The plant then ran consistently at 96% until July 19, when operators manually scrammed the plant, due to power fluctuations caused by excessive play or looseness in the Turbine Control Valve Linkage. FO 98-02 ended July 23, when the plant commenced startup. Due to problems with the #4 Turbine Control Valve, power was only raised to 87%. Power remained constant at 87% until September 4 when Fermi 2 entered RF06.

After a 54 day outage, the reactor was placed in Mode 2 on October 25. Reactor power was held at 60% on October 30 for LPRM calibrations. By November 2, reactor power was once again at 96%.

On November 5, a decrease in flow from the ' A' recirc motor caused power to be reduced to 65%. Power was held there for a week to troubleshoot the problem, address other concerns with the 'B' pump and to perform scram solenoid pilot valve testing. On November 12, reactor shutdown commenced due to a leak from a feedwater check valve.

The plant was shutdown for 4 days for FO 98-03. On November 17, reactor startup commenced. During startup activities a problem with the S. RFP controller and min-flow valve limited reactor power to 60% for about a day. On November 20, reactor power was returned to 96%. Through the end of the year, power had been reduced twice for rod pattem adjustments an:1 once for setting the MG-stops.

3.0 TERRESTRIAL MONITORING Overview Section 4.2.1 of the Fermi 2 EPP requires that a special surveillance program be conducted to evaluate changes to vegetative communities within a 1 kilometer radius of the cooling towers. This program involves analysis of low altitude overflights priar to harvest utilizing color infrared photography, backed up by field reconnaissance inspections to verify areas of vegetative stress and non-stress along with soil sampling and analysis. The first flights and report were required after one year of plant operation and then every alternate year for 3 successive periods.

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i 1998 Annut!Non-Radiological l '( .

Environmentil Operating Report l

Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page 7 It should be noted that the above-described studies were not conducted to assess radiological impacts to the terrestrial environment, because discharge from the cooling towers is not radiologically active. The discharge consists of water vapor containing naturally occurring dissolved-solids at slightly higher concentrations than typical for lake water.

Activities and Controls The final required aerial photographic events were performed in 1994 and a final terrestrial monitoring report summarizing all collected data was completed in April 1995.

i The report concluded the following: l l

• No long-term accumulation of dissolved-solid deposition was detected in any of the j soil samples collected within the survey area. l e No vegetative stress associated with cooling-tower emission was observed in any of I the survey reports.

• No correlation was observed between the distribution of stressed vegetation areas and i the calculated deposition of dissolved solids and other materials contained within the vaporous cooling-tower discharge. j e The absence of observed impacts attributable to the cooling towers is consistent with findings in the scientific literature.

t l No terrestrial monitoring activins were conducted, or required, in 1998. Based on the findings and conclusions of the above-described study, no further aerial-photographic evaluations are planned.

4.0 HERBICIDE MONITORING Overview Section 4.2.2 of the Fermi 2 EPP requires that herbicide use meet the following conditions:

1. Herbicides used must be registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and utilized in accordance with EPA-approved use instructions.

2. Herbicides used must be approved by State authorities and applied in accordance with state instructions.-

1998 Annual Non.Radiologicsj

• Environmental Operating Repon Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page 8 I

3. Records of on-site herbicide use must be maintained for a period of 5 years and contain the following information: commercial and chemical names of herbicide used; i

concentration of active material in formulations diluted for field use; diluting substances other than water; rates of application; method and frequency of application; location, and; date of application.

Activities and Controls Herbicide use on site is managed according to Section 2.6 of the Chemistry and Environmental Monitoring Conduct Manual, Chapter 6 (MCE06). In accordance with this procedure, all herbicides used on site in 1998 were pre-approved per subsequent submittal of the Herbicide Application Request Form, which meets the requirements of items 1 and 2 listed above. Once a herbicide is approved, the registered pesticide applicator must fill out a Herbicide Application Record for each application which meets the criteria specified in item 3 listed above.

In 1998, 7 different herbicides were approved and utilized on site. All herbicide applications were recorded and maintained, as required.

50 AQUATIC MONITORING Overview According to Section 2.1 of the EPP, the NRC will rely on the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) for the protection of the aquatic environment from non-radiological operational impacts via the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.- NPDES permits are issued in accordance with provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended,(33 U.S.C.1251 et seq), Michigan Act 451, P.A. of 1994, as amended, Part 31, and Michigan Executive Orders 1991-31, 1995-4 and 1995-18. The current permit took effect on June 1,1996 and expires on October 1, 1999.

Activities and Controls Fermi 2's Chemistry Department closely monitors effluera characteristics per the NPDES requirements. Efiluent discharge data is summarized in monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports, which are then submitted to the MDEQ. In 1998, effluent discharges remained in compliance with the site's NPDES permit.

No changes, renewals or stayed appeals to the Fermi 2 NPDES Permit occurred in 1998.

V 1998 AnnualNon Radiologicil T ,

Environmental Operating Report Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Page 9 6.0 . EPP NONCOMPLIANCE

- Overview In accordance with Section 5.4.1 of the EPP, all occurrences of noncompliance with the EPP must be reported along with a discussion of actions taken to correct the situation.

Activities and Controls There were no incidents of EPP noncompliance at Fermi 2 in 1998.

7.0 DESIGN OR OPERATION CHANGES Overview In accordance v,ith Fermi 2's EPP, before engaging in additional construction or operational activities which might affect the environment, Fermi 2 is required to prepare and record an environmental evaluation of such activity. If the evaluation should indicate that the proposed activity involves an unreviewed environmental question, Detroit Edison must provide a written evaluation of the activity and obtain prior approval from the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor. Regulation. Activities are . excluded from this requirement if all measurable, non-radiological effects are conf'med to the on-site areas previously ' disturbed during site preparation and plant construction.

Activities and Controls In.1998, an environmental evaluation was performed to review the proposed estabilshment of a permanent Mixed Waste Storage Facility in the On Site Storage Facility (OSSF). This environmental evaluation was included in safety evaluation SE 98-0058. Both the EPP Appendix B to Facility Operating License No. NPF-43 and the FES were reviewed. Additionally, MLS07001, Preliminary Evaluation was used as a guide.

Based on the documents described above, the following questions were evaluated:

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1. Will the proposed change have an efect on the environment (for example, changes to non-radiological gas or liquid efluents, power level, thermal efluents)?

. No. This change is to allow storage of mixed waste in the OSSF until it can be shipped i for treatment and/or disposal. Normal operations of this storage area would not increase gas or liquid effluents, would not change power level, or thermal effluents.

q 1998 AnnualNon-Radiologicci

, Environmental Operating Report l Detroit Edison Fermi 2 l Fage 10

2. ' Will the proposed change involve activities that introduce measurable non-radiological environmental efect to onsite areas that were not previously disturbed during site preparation and construction'? 1 l

l No. This change affects the OSSF only. This building was erected during the plant construction period.

The conclusion of the above-described environmental evaluation was as follows: this change does not affect the environment.

During the period covered by this report, there were no changes to station design or operational activities which created an unreviewed environmental question, per the requirements of the EPP.

8.0 UNUSUAL OR IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS l Overview 1

According to Section 4.1 of the EPP, any unusual occurrence or important event which indicates, or could result in, significant environmental impact causally related to plant operation must be reported to the NRC within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />, followed by a written report within 30 days. The following are considered examples of unusual or important environmental events:

e Excessive bird impacts e On-site plant or animal disease outbreaks l

e Mortality or unusual occurrence of any species protected by the Endangered Species Act e Fish kills e Increase in nuisance organisms or conditions

! Activities and Controls No unusual or important environmental events occurred during 1998. Accordingly, no non-routine reports were submitted.

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9.0 CONCLUSION

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In 1998, the Environmental Control Program at Fermi 2 successfully maintained compliance with the EPP and all applicable environmental regulations.

r 1998 Annu:1Non-Radiological i i

Environmental Operating Report Detroit Edison Fermi 2

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.. .. l The following is a summary of the 1998 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental l Report 1

e The results of terrestrial monitoring activities concluded in 1994 indicated that no correlation was observed between the distribution of stressed vegetation areas and the calculated deposition of dissolved solids and other materials contained within the i vaporous cooling-tower discharge. No terrestrial monitoring activities were conducted, or required, in 1998. Based on the findings and conclusions of the above-described study, no further aerial-photographic evaluations are planned.

• Seven different herbicides were approved and utilized onsite in 1998. All herbicide applications were recorded and maintained, as required by the EPP. I e Effluent discharges remained in compliance with the site's NPDES permit.

• There were no incidents of EPP noncompliance.

• There were no changes to station design or operational activities that created an unreviewed environmental question, per the requirements and definitions of the EPP.

• No unusual or important environmental events, as defined by the EPP, occurred.

Accordingly, no non-routine reports were submitted.

In 1999, Fermi 2 and the Environmental, Safety and Health Department will continue to strive to do the following: improve the Environmental Program; proactively manage l environmental issues; and maintain compliance with the site's EPP and all applicable l

environmental regulations.

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