[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 224 (Monday, November 20, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69795-69798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-29635]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket No. 50-395]
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, South Carolina Public
Service Authority; Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment to
Facility Operating License, Proposed No Significant Hazards
Consideration Determination, and Opportunity for a Hearing
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is
considering issuance of an amendment to Facility Operating License No.
NPF-12 issued to South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (SCE&G, the
licensee) for operation of the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station, Unit
No. 1, located in Fairfield County, South Carolina.
The proposed amendment would change Technical Specifications (TS)
3.8.1.1 and 3.8.1.2 to revise the minimum volume requirements for the
emergency diesel generator (EDG) fuel oil system.
Before issuance of the proposed license amendment, the Commission
will have made findings required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as
amended
[[Page 69796]]
(the Act) and the Commission's regulations.
The Commission has made a proposed determination that the amendment
request involves no significant hazards consideration. Under the
Commission's regulations in 10 CFR 50.92, this means that operation of
the facility in accordance with the proposed amendment would not (1)
involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an
accident previously evaluated; or (2) create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated;
or (3) involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. As
required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of
the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented
below:
1. Does the change involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
No.
The proposed change raises the minimum required fuel oil storage
volume to 48,500 gallons for Modes 1-4 and raises the minimum
required fuel oil storage volume to 42,500 gallons for Modes 5 and
6. These new TS volume requirements reflect design basis calculation
revisions for load requirements following a design basis accident
[DBA]. The increase in these TS volume requirements ensure[s] that
at least 2% margin is maintained above the seven day requirement for
Modes 1-4. Also, it ensures that at least 10% margin is maintained
above the seven day requirement for Modes 5 and 6, which meets the
10% margin requirement set forth in Section 5.4 of ANSI [American
National Standards Institute] N195-1976, ``Fuel Oil Systems for
Standby Diesel Generators.'' This change also raises the day fuel
tank minimum volume to 360 gallons for Modes 1-6, which meets the
10% margin requirement set forth in Section 6.1 of ANSI N195-1976,
``Fuel Oil Systems for Standby Diesel Generators.'' These revised TS
volume requirements ensure that each EDG can supply the output
necessary to assure the operation of the plant equipment required to
prevent unacceptable consequences for any plant design basis event
or accident condition. Therefore, there is no impact on the
consequences of any accident.
In addition, the licensee performed an analysis to consider the
impact of the proposed TS Bases change involving Fuel Oil Storage
Tank capacity on plant risk. The licensee concluded that the
increase in risk resulting from the proposed change to the licensing
basis is insignificant. This change does not involve a significant
increase in the probability of an accident previously evaluated
since the change solely impacts risk during Loss of Offsite Power
(LOOP) conditions for a duration of longer than about 7.14 days.
When a LOOP of this duration occurs, the TS Bases change will reduce
the operator response time to replenish the Fuel Oil Storage Tank to
prevent the loss of a diesel generator from 7.7 days to 7.14 days
for each of the EDGs. SCE&G believes that, given the relatively
large recovery times, this reduction in response time will not
significantly affect the calculated human error probabilities of
operator response time. In addition, the change in the probability
of recovery of AC power in the time frame between 7.14 days and 7.7
days is small. Therefore, SCE&G concludes that the risk impact of
the proposed TS Bases change involving Fuel Oil Storage Tank
capacity is small.
Therefore, the change does not involve a significant increase in
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
2. Does the change create the possibility of a new or different
kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
No.
The proposed change raises the minimum required fuel oil storage
volume to 48,500 gallons for Modes 1-4 and raises the minimum
required fuel oil storage volume to 42,500 gallons for Modes 5 and
6. These new TS volume requirements reflect design basis calculation
revisions for load requirements following a design basis accident.
The increase in these TS volume requirements ensure[s] that at least
2% margin is maintained above the seven day requirement for Modes 1-
4. Also, it ensures that at least 10% margin is maintained above the
seven day requirement for Modes 5 and 6, which meets the 10% margin
requirement set forth in Section 5.4 of ANSI N195-1976, ``Fuel Oil
Systems for Standby Diesel Generators.'' This change also raises the
day fuel tank minimum volume to 360 gallons for Modes 1-6, which
meets the 10% margin requirement set forth in Section 6.1 of ANSI
N195-1976, ``Fuel Oil Systems for Standby Diesel Generators.'' These
changes are not associated with the possibility to create any new or
different accident.
In addition, the proposed TS Bases change involving Fuel Oil
Storage Tank capacity margins does not create the possibility of any
new or different kind of accident. A single failure, consisting of
the loss of one train of EDG fuel oil storage and transfer systems
will not result in the loss of minimum diesel generator capacity,
which is in accordance with Section 5.2 of ANSI N195-1976, ``Fuel
Oil Systems for Standby Diesel Generators.'' The on-site oil storage
shall remain sufficient to operate the minimum number of diesel-
generators following the limiting DBA for 7 days, with at least 2%
margin for Modes 1-4 and at least 10% margin for Modes 5 and 6.
3. Does this change involve a significant reduction in margin of
safety?
No.
The proposed change raises the minimum required fuel oil storage
volume to 48,500 gallons for Modes 1-4 and raises the minimum
required fuel oil storage volume to 42,500 gallons for Modes 5 and
6. These new TS volume requirements reflect design basis calculation
revisions for load requirements following a design basis accident.
The increase in these TS volume requirements ensure[s] that at least
2% margin is maintained above the seven day requirement for Modes 1-
4. Also, it ensures that at least 10% margin is maintained above the
seven day requirement for Modes 5 and 6, which meets the 10% margin
requirement set forth in Section 5.4 of ANSI N195-1976, ``Fuel Oil
Systems for Standby Diesel Generators.'' This change also raises the
day fuel tank minimum volume to 360 gallons for Modes 1-6, which
meets the 10% margin requirement set forth in Section 6.1 of ANSI
N195-1976, ``Fuel Oil Systems for Standby Diesel Generators.''
In addition, the proposed TS Bases change involving Fuel Oil
Storage Tank capacity does not involve a significant reduction in
the margin of safety. A single failure, consisting of the loss of
one train of EDG fuel oil storage and transfer systems will not
result in the loss of minimum diesel generator capacity, which is in
accordance with Section 5.2 of ANSI N195-1976, ``Fuel Oil Systems
for Standby Diesel Generators.'' The on-site oil storage shall
remain sufficient to operate the minimum number of diesel-generators
following the limiting DBA for 7 days, with at least 2% margin for
Modes 1-4 and at least 10% margin for Modes 5 and 6.
The licensee performed an analysis to evaluate the impact of the
proposed TS Bases change involving Fuel Oil Storage Tank capacity on
plant risk. The licensee concluded that the increase in risk
resulting from the proposed change to the licensing basis is
insignificant. This change does not involve a significant reduction
in the margin of safety since the change solely impacts risk during
Loss of Offsite Power (LOOP) conditions for a duration of longer
than about 7.14 days. When a LOOP of this duration occurs, the TS
Bases change will reduce the operator response time to replenish the
Fuel Oil Storage Tank to prevent the loss of a diesel generator from
7.7 days to 7.14 days for each of the EDGs. SCE&G believes that,
given the relatively large recovery times, this reduction in
response time will not significantly affect the calculated human
error probabilities of operator response time. In addition, the
change in the probability of recovery of AC power in the time frame
between 7.14 days and 7.7 days is small. Therefore, SCE&G concludes
that the risk impact of the proposed TS Bases change involving Fuel
Oil Storage Tank capacity is small.
Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.91, the preceding analyses provides a
determination that the proposed Technical Specifications change
poses no significant hazard as delineated by 10 CFR 50.92.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
The Commission is seeking public comments on this proposed
determination. Any comments received within 30 days after the date of
publication of this notice will be considered in making any final
determination.
[[Page 69797]]
Normally, the Commission will not issue the amendment until the
expiration of the 30-day notice period. However, should circumstances
change during the notice period such that failure to act in a timely
way would result, for example, in derating or shutdown of the facility,
the Commission may issue the license amendment before the expiration of
the 30-day notice period, provided that its final determination is that
the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. The final
determination will consider all public and State comments received.
Should the Commission take this action, it will publish in the Federal
Register a notice of issuance and provide for opportunity for a hearing
after issuance. The Commission expects that the need to take this
action will occur very infrequently.
Written comments may be submitted by mail to the Chief, Rules and
Directives Branch, Division of Administrative Services, Office of
Administration, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
20555-0001, and should cite the publication date and page number of
this Federal Register notice. Written comments may also be delivered to
Room 6D59, Two White Flint North, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville,
Maryland, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Federal workdays. Documents may
be examined, and/or copied for a fee, at the NRC's Public Document
Room, located at One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike (first
floor), Rockville, Maryland.
The filing of requests for hearing and petitions for leave to
intervene is discussed below.
By December 20, 2000, the licensee may file a request for a hearing
with respect to issuance of the amendment to the subject facility
operating license and any person whose interest may be affected by this
proceeding and who wishes to participate as a party in the proceeding
must file a written request for a hearing and a petition for leave to
intervene. Requests for a hearing and a petition for leave to intervene
shall be filed in accordance with the Commission's ``Rules of Practice
for Domestic Licensing Proceedings'' in 10 CFR Part 2. Interested
persons should consult a current copy of 10 CFR 2.714, which is
available at the Commission's Public Document Room, located at One
White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville,
Maryland, and accessible electronically through the ADAMS Public
Electronic Reading Room link at the NRC Web site (http://www.nrc.gov).
If a request for a hearing or petition for leave to intervene is filed
by the above date, the Commission or an Atomic Safety and Licensing
Board, designated by the Commission or by the Chairman of the Atomic
Safety and Licensing Board Panel, will rule on the request and/or
petition; and the Secretary or the designated Atomic Safety and
Licensing Board will issue a notice of hearing or an appropriate order.
As required by 10 CFR 2.714, a petition for leave to intervene
shall set forth with particularity the interest of the petitioner in
the proceeding, and how that interest may be affected by the results of
the proceeding. The petition should specifically explain the reasons
why intervention should be permitted with particular reference to the
following factors: (1) The nature of the petitioner's right under the
Act to be made party to the proceeding; (2) the nature and extent of
the petitioner's property, financial, or other interest in the
proceeding; and (3) the possible effect of any order which may be
entered in the proceeding on the petitioner's interest. The petition
should also identify the specific aspect(s) of the subject matter of
the proceeding as to which petitioner wishes to intervene. Any person
who has filed a petition for leave to intervene or who has been
admitted as a party may amend the petition without requesting leave of
the Board up to 15 days prior to the first prehearing conference
scheduled in the proceeding, but such an amended petition must satisfy
the specificity requirements described above.
Not later than 15 days prior to the first prehearing conference
scheduled in the proceeding, a petitioner shall file a supplement to
the petition to intervene which must include a list of the contentions
which are sought to be litigated in the matter. Each contention must
consist of a specific statement of the issue of law or fact to be
raised or controverted. In addition, the petitioner shall provide a
brief explanation of the bases of the contention and a concise
statement of the alleged facts or expert opinion which support the
contention and on which the petitioner intends to rely in proving the
contention at the hearing. The petitioner must also provide references
to those specific sources and documents of which the petitioner is
aware and on which the petitioner intends to rely to establish those
facts or expert opinion. Petitioner must provide sufficient information
to show that a genuine dispute exists with the applicant on a material
issue of law or fact. Contentions shall be limited to matters within
the scope of the amendment under consideration. The contention must be
one which, if proven, would entitle the petitioner to relief. A
petitioner who fails to file such a supplement which satisfies these
requirements with respect to at least one contention will not be
permitted to participate as a party.
Those permitted to intervene become parties to the proceeding,
subject to any limitations in the order granting leave to intervene,
and have the opportunity to participate fully in the conduct of the
hearing, including the opportunity to present evidence and cross-
examine witnesses.
If a hearing is requested, the Commission will make a final
determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration. The
final determination will serve to decide when the hearing is held.
If the final determination is that the amendment request involves
no significant hazards consideration, the Commission may issue the
amendment and make it immediately effective, notwithstanding the
request for a hearing. Any hearing held would take place after issuance
of the amendment.
If the final determination is that the amendment request involves a
significant hazards consideration, any hearing held would take place
before the issuance of any amendment.
A request for a hearing or a petition for leave to intervene must
be filed with the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attention: Rulemakings and
Adjudications Staff, or may be delivered to the Commission's Public
Document Room, located at One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike
(first floor), Rockville, Maryland, by the above date. A copy of the
petition should also be sent to the Office of the General Counsel, U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, and to Thomas
G. Eppink, South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, Post Office Box 764,
Columbia, South Carolina 29218, attorney for the licensee.
Nontimely filings of petitions for leave to intervene, amended
petitions, supplemental petitions and/or requests for hearing will not
be entertained absent a determination by the Commission, the presiding
officer or the presiding Atomic Safety and Licensing Board that the
petition and/or request should be granted based upon a balancing of the
factors specified in 10 CFR 2.714(a)(1)(i)-(v) and 2.714(d).
For further details with respect to this action, see the
application for amendment dated November 10, 2000, which is available
for public inspection at the Commission's Public Document Room, located
at One White Flint North,
[[Page 69798]]
11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland, and accessible
electronically through the ADAMS Public Electronic Reading Room link at
the NRC Web site (http://www.nrc.gov).
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 14th day of November 2000.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Richard L. Emch, Jr.,
Chief, Section 1, Project Directorate II, Division of Licensing Project
Management, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 00-29635 Filed 11-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P