[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7588-7589]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3086]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket No. 50-213]
Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company; Haddam Neck Plant;
Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is
considering issuance of an amendment to Facility Operating License No.
DPR-61, issued to Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company (CYAPCO, the
licensee), for operation of the Haddam Neck Plant, located in Middlesex
County, Connecticut.
Environmental Assessment
Identificatjon of the Proposed Action
CYAPCO has proposed to revise Technical Specification (TS) 3/4.4.9,
``Pressure Temperature Limits, Reactor Coolant System,'' Figures 3.4-3,
4, and 5, and the associated Bases section. The proposed action is in
accordance with the licensee's amendment request dated April 7, 1994,
as supplemented November 4, 1994.
The Need for the Proposed Action
NRC Information Notice 93-58, ``Nonconservatism in Low-Temperature
Overpressure Protection for Pressurized-Water Reactors,'' alerted
licensees of potential nonconservatisms associated with the Low
Temperature Overpressurization Protection (LTOP) system resulting from
pressure drop across the core. Upon review of this information, the
Haddam Neck Plant adopted a conservative set of curves until new curves
could be developed for the plant. These TS changes reflect the analysis
performed to evaluate the brittle fracture requirements of 10 CFR Part
50, Appendix G and the ASME XI Code.
These changes will ensure that the desired margins of safety
against nonductile failure of the reactor vessel are maintained through
all modes of operation, especially when the reactor coolant system
(RCS) is at low temperatures.
Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action
The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed
revision to the TS. The staff has concluded that the proposed TS
changes involving the changes in TS 3/4.4.9, ``Pressure/Temperature
Limits, Reactor Coolant System,'' Figures 3.4-3, 4, and 5, and the
associated Bases Section adequately address the non-conservatisms
identified in NRC Information Notice 93-58 and will ensure compliance
with the 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix G requirements during normal modes of
operation. The staff made this determination by reviewing the plant
specific analysis to assure that the proposed heatup, cooldown, and
hydrostatic test, pressure/temperature limit curves have been chosen to
ensure the plant is operated safely. In addition, the new P/T curves
are more restrictive and conservative than the current curves.
The proposed TS change will not increase the probability or
consequences of accidents. No changes are being made in the types of
any effluents that may be released offsite. And, there is no
significant increase in the allowable individual or cumulative
occupational radiation exposure. Accordingly, the Commission concludes
that there are no significant radiological environmental impacts
associated with this proposed TS amendment.
With regard to potential nonradiological impacts, the proposed
amendment does involve features located entirely within the restricted
area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20. It does not affect nonradiological
plant effluents and has no other environmental impact. Accordingly, the
Commission concludes that there are no significant nonradiological
environmental impacts associated with the proposed amendment.
Accordingly, the Commission concludes that there are no significant
radiological or nonradiological environmental impacts associated with
the proposed amendment.
Alternatives to the Proposed Action
Since the Commission has concluded there is no measurable
environmental impact associated with the proposed amendment, any
alternatives with equal or greater environmental impact need not be
evaluated. As an alternative to the proposed action, the staff
considered denial of the proposed action. Denial of the application
would result in no change in current environmental impacts. The
environmental impacts of the proposed action and the alternative action
are similar.
Alternative Use of Resources
This action does not involve the use of resources not considered
previously in the Final Environmental Statement for the Haddam Neck
Plant.
Agencies and Persons Consulted
In accordance with its stated policy, the staff consulted with the
Connecticut State official regarding the [[Page 7589]] environmental
impact of the proposed action. The State official had no comments.
Finding of No Significant Impact
Based upon the environmental assessment, the Commission concludes
that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the
quality of the human environment. Accordingly, the Commission has
determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the
proposed amendment.
For further details with respect to this proposed action, see the
licensee's letter dated April 7, 1994, as supplemented November 4,
1994, which are available for public inspection at the Commission's
Public Document Room, the Gelman Building, 2120 L Street, NW.,
Washington, DC, and at the local public document room located at the
Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, Connecticut 06547.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 1st day of February 1995.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Phillip F. McKee,
Director, Project Directorate I-4, Division of Reactor Projects--I/II,
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 95-3086 Filed 2-7-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-M