[Federal Register: May 8, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 89)] [Notices] [Page 25526-25527] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr08my98-93] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50-352] Philadelphia Electric Company; Limerick Generating Station, Unit 1 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. NPF-39, issued to Philadelphia Electric Company (the licensee), for operation of the Limerick Generating Station (LGS), Unit 1, located in Montgomery and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania. Environmental Assessment Identification of the Proposed Action The proposed action would approve the implementation of a plant modification to support the installation of replacement suction strainers for the emergency core cooling systems (residual heat removal and core spray) pumps at LGS, Unit 1. The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's application for amendment dated October 6, 1997, as supplemented by letter dated February 2, 1998. The Need for the Proposed Action On May 6, 1996, the NRC issued NRC Bulletin 96-03, ``Potential Plugging of Emergency Core Cooling Suction Strainers by Debris in Boiling Water Reactors'', that requested addressees to implement appropriate procedural measures and plant modifications to minimize the potential for clogging of emergency core cooling system (ECCS) suppression pool suction strainers by debris generated during a loss- of-coolant accident (LOCA) and requested that addressees report to the NRC whether they intend to implement the requested actions. In response to the above cited bulletin, the licensee proposed a plant modification to install replacement suction strainers in the emergency core cooling (ECCS) pumps. The replacement strainer surface areas, which are substantially larger than the currently installed strainers, are required to reduce potential strainer clogging due to debris in the suppression pool following a postulated loss-of-coolant accident. Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed action and concludes that the installation of the replacement strainers in the ECCS pumps reduces potential strainer clogging due to debris in the suppression pool following a loss-of-coolant accident and does not change the manner in which the plant is being operated or the environmental impacts of operation. The proposed action involves features entirely within the protected area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20. The change will not increase the probability or consequences of [[Page 25527]] 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 collective occupational radiation exposure. Accordingly, the Commission concludes that there are no significant radiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed action. With regard to potential nonradiological impacts, the proposed action involves 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 action. Alternatives to the Proposed Action Since the Commission has concluded there is no measurable environmental impact associated with the proposed action, 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 any resources not previously considered in the Final Environmental Statement for the Limerick Generating Station, Unit 1. Agencies and Persons Consulted In accordance with its stated policy, on April 10, 1998, the staff consulted with the Pennsylvania State official, Mr. David Ney of the Bureau of Radiation Protection, regarding the 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 action. For further details with respect to the proposed action, see the licensee's letter dated October 6, 1997, as supplemented by letter dated February 2, 1998, 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 Pottstown Public Library, 500 High Street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 4th day of May 1998. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Robert A. Capra, Director, Project Directorate 1-2, Division of Reactor Projects--I/II, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. [FR Doc. 98-12280 Filed 5-7-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P