ML20199K252
| ML20199K252 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Seabrook  |
| Issue date: | 07/07/1986 |
| From: | Noonan V Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20199K257 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8607090095 | |
| Download: ML20199K252 (4) | |
Text
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j 7590-01 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COPHISSION PUBilC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, ET AL.*
SEABROOK STATION, UNIT 1 bO'CKETNO.: '50-443 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF N0 SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Comission) is considering issuance of a partial exemption from the requirements of Appendix J to 10 CFR Part 50 to Public Service Company of New Hampshire, et al. (the applicant) for the Seabrook Station, Unit 1, located in Seabrook Township, Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Identification of Proposed Action:
The exemption would eliminate the full pressure test required by Paragraph III.D.2(b)(ii) of Appendix J following nomal' air locking opening and substitute a seal leakage test to be conducted at a pressure specified in the Technical Specifications.
The proposed exemption is in accordance with the applicants' request dated May 21, 1986.
%6761efoi XA..N fC The current construction pemit holders for Seabrook Station are: Bangor
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Hydro-Electric Company, Canal Electric Company, Central Maine Power Company, Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, Connecticut Light & Power Company, Fitchburg Gas & Electric Light Company, Hudson Light and Power Department, Maine Public Service Company, Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric
, Company, Montaup Electric Company, New England Power Company, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Inc., Public Service Company of New Hampshire, Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, the United Illuminating Company, Vermont Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative, Inc., and Washington Electric Cooperative, Inc.
5 7590-01 Need for Proposed Action: The proposed exemption is required to provide the applicants with greater, plant availability over the lifetime of the plant.
Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action: The proposed exemption grants the substitute of an air lock seal test for an air lock pressure test while the reactor is in a shutdown or refueling mode. When no maintenance has been performed on the air lock that could affect its sealing capability, the air lock doors have been properly closed, and the periodic 6-month test at Pa required by Paragraph III.D.2(b)(i) of Appendix J has been performed on schedule, there is no reason to expect the air lock to leak excessively just because it has been opened while the reactor is in a shutdown or refueling mode. Performing the door seal leak test of Paragraph III.D.2(b)(iii) of Appendix J is sufficient, in this case, to demonstrate the continuing integrity of the air lock.
With respect to this exemption from Appendix J, the increment of environmental impact is related solely to the potential increased probability of containment leakage during an accident. This could lead r
to higher offsite and control room doses. However, this potential increase is very small, due to the added seal leakage tests and the protection against excessive leakage afforded by the other tests required
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7590-01
' Alternative to the Proposed Action: Because the staff has concluded that there is no measurable environmental impact associated with the proposed exemption, any alternative to these exemptions will have either no environmental impact or greater environmental impact.
The principal alternative would be to deny the requested exemption.
This would not reduce environmental impacts of plant operations and would result in reduced operational flexibility and unwarranted delays in power ascension.
Alternative Use of Resources: This action does not involve the use of resources not previously considered in the Final Environmental Statement related to operation of Seabrook Station, Units 1 and 2, issued December 1982.
Agencies and Persons Contacted: The NRC staff reviewed the applicants' request that supports the proposed exemption. The NRC staff did not consult other agencies or persons.
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7590-01 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The Commission has detennined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the proposed exemption.
Based upon the foregoing environmental assessment, we conclude that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment.
For further details with respect to this action, see the request for the exemption dated May 21, 1986, which is available for public inspection at the Consnission's Public Document Room,1717 H Street, N. W., Washington, DC and at the Exeter Public Library, Front Street, Exeter, New Hampshire 03633.
DatedatBethesda,Marylandthis7 ay of
, 1986.
6 FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION n
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W Pro' ct Directorate #5 Divisi of PWR Licensing-A
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