Saturday, December 23, 2017

NRC Publishes Draft Environmental Assessment of Proposed Crow Butte Expansion‌

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release
No: 17-052 December 18, 2017
CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200

NRC Publishes Draft Environmental Assessment 

of Proposed Crow Butte Expansion

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission seeks public comments on a draft Environmental Assessment with a “Finding of No Significant Impact” for a license amendment request to authorize construction and operation of the proposed Marsland Expansion Area of the Crow Butte in situ uranium recovery facility near Crawford, Neb.

The Marsland Expansion Area stretches over 4,622 acres, of which 1,754 acres could be disturbed by the proposed action. The area is located approximately 11 miles south-southeast of the existing Crow Butte facility. The draft Environmental Assessment concludes that overall impacts from the expansion would be small for most resource areas, with potential moderate impacts in the short- term for specific aspects of three resource areas. If finalized, the Environmental Assessment and FONSI would complete the NRC staff’s environmental review of the Crow Butte Marsland license amendment request.

Notice of the draft document was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 15. Public comments will be accepted through Jan. 29. The draft Environmental Assessment, along with more information about the Marsland Expansion Area, is available on the NRC website. Copies are also available at the Crawford Public Library, 601 2nd St., in Crawford, Neb., and the Chadron Public Library, 507 Bordeaux St., in Chadron, Neb.

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire 12/18: Incomplete Pass



The text of the final tax bill is out, and the nuclear power production tax credit has been axed. The credit would have allowed the under-construction Vogtle plants to qualify for a tax break byextending the expiration date past the original 2020 deadline for plants to begin operating. 
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) told the Washington Examiner, "I am committed to doing whatever I can to ensure that the Plant Vogtle project stays on track for completion to strengthen America's energy security and to preserve the more than 6,000 Georgia jobs created by this project...we are working on a path forward to get a nuclear tax credit extension passed this year or early next year."

NRC Issues Confirmatory Order to Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas Facility to Address Issues Related to Scrap Metal Shipment‌

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release
No: II-17-051 December 15, 2017

NRC Issues Confirmatory Order to Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas Facility 

to Address Issues Related to Scrap Metal Shipment

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a confirmatory order to the Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas manufacturing facility in Wilmington, N.C., following an agreement reached during an alternative dispute resolution mediation session completed on Oct. 25.

An NRC inspection report issued in July 2017 documented a September 2016 incident where GNF-A contracted with a company to ship scrap metal piping to a local recycling facility. When the shipment arrived at the facility, the material caused the radiation portal monitor to alarm and the shipment was returned to the GNF-A facility.

The NRC inspection report identified several apparent violations, including the failure to properly survey the material before release, failure to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations for the material and failure to notify the NRC when radiation limits on the shipment exceeded regulations. GNF-A officials advised the NRC that the company would participate in the agency’s alternative dispute resolution program to resolve the enforcement issues. The NRC ADR process is facilitated by a neutral third party with no decision-making authority, who assists the NRC and the company in reaching an agreement when there are differences regarding an enforcement action.

The ADR session held in October resulted in GNF-A agreeing with several of the violations and agreeing on corrective actions to preclude recurrence of the violations. Those actions include both steps already taken and planned, such as the revision of procedures related to the release of material, additional training, improvements in recordkeeping, and the initiation of a safety culture assessment. In addition, the company has agreed to install a vehicle portal monitor to detect surface radiation levels on future shipments.

The NRC will not issue violations or civil penalties because of the detailed corrective actions and enhancements contained in the confirmatory order. The company has one year to complete some of the actions in the order, and GNF-A is required to provide the NRC with a letter discussing its basis for concluding that the order has been satisfied within three months of their completion.

ADVISORY – MONDAY – GO-TIME: DEP to Announce Increased Oil and Gas Drilling Inspections in 2017 as a Result of Switch to Electronic Process

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection

Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/15/2017

CONTACT:
Deb Klenotic, DEP
717-783-9954


ADVISORY – MONDAY – GO-TIME: DEP to Announce Increased Oil and Gas Drilling Inspections in 2017 as a Result of Switch to Electronic Process



Harrisburg, PA –  The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will announce that it’s on track to complete more oil and gas drilling site inspections in 2017 than in 2016 as a result of a GO-TIME project that replaced paper forms with a mobile app.

Oil and gas Deputy Secretary Scott Perry will discuss this and several other productivity increases resulting from the early 2017 implementation of a mobile app for field inspectors, after years of a paper-based process.

Sharon Ward, Director of the Governor’s Office of Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME), will give an overview of the goals and successes to date of the GO-TIME initiative.

WHAT: GO-TIME: DEP to Announce Increased Oil and Gas Drilling Inspections in 2017
WHEN: Monday, December 18, 11:00-11:30 AM
WHERE: Capitol Media Center, State Capitol, Room 01 East Wing, Harrisburg, PA 17126
LIVESTREAM: http://pacast.com/players/live_dep.asp

NRC Approves Changes to Fort Calhoun Nuclear Plant’s Emergency Planning Requirements‌


Nuclear Regulatory Commisison - Press Release
No: 17-051 December 14, 2017
CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200

NRC Approves Changes to Fort Calhoun Nuclear Plant’s Emergency Planning Requirements

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted the Omaha Public Power District’s request to alter the emergency preparedness plan for the Fort Calhoun Station nuclear power plant in Washington County, Neb., to reflect the plant’s decommissioning status.

The changes come in the form of exemptions from certain NRC requirements that may not be appropriate for a plant that has permanently ceased operations. Once the licensee implements the exemptions, state and local governments may rely on comprehensive emergency management (“all hazard”) planning for off-site emergency response to events at Fort Calhoun, rather than having a dedicated offsite radiological emergency response plan. As a result, there will not be a 10-mile emergency planning zone identified in Fort Calhoun’s license. The plant will maintain an onsite emergency plan and response capabilities, including the continued notification of state government officials of an emergency declaration.

OPPD provided analyses to show the exemptions are warranted because when compared to an operating power reactor, the risk of an offsite radiological release is significantly lower and the types of possible accidents significantly fewer at a nuclear power reactor that has permanently ceased operations and removed fuel from the reactor vessel. The NRC staff evaluated and confirmed these analyses and, based on the NRC staff’s evaluation and recommendation, the Commission approved the exemptions Oct. 25. The exemptions were granted and a safety evaluation issued Dec. 11, and license amendments reflecting the exemptions were issued Dec. 12. Under the exemptions, OPPD may not implement the changes to its emergency preparedness plans until April 7, 2018, based on the company’s evaluation of applicable accidents.

Fort Calhoun, a single pressurized-water reactor, began operations in 1973. It ceased operations Oct. 24, 2016. All spent fuel has been permanently moved from the reactor vessel into the spent fuel pool for storage. The exemptions from certain emergency preparedness requirements are part of several changes to the plant’s licensing basis and technical specifications the licensee requested to reflect Fort Calhoun’s decommissioning status.

NRC Proposes $22,400 Fine Against Qal-Tek Associates


Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release
No: IV-17-021 December 14, 2017

NRC Proposes $22,400 Fine Against Qal-Tek Associates

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $22,400 civil penalty against Qal-Tek Associates of Idaho Falls, Idaho, for violations regarding the shipment of radioactive materials.

The violations were identified in an NRC inspection report prepared following an incident that occurred in April, when a package containing several radioactive sources was shipped from a temporary jobsite to the company’s headquarters. Upon receipt, workers scanned the package and determined that radiation levels exceeded regulatory limits resulting from radioactive sources that had not been properly packaged.

A commercial shipping service was used, but based on interviews of licensee and shipper employees, no one is expected to have received a radiation exposure in excess of regulatory limits.

NRC staff met with company representatives on Nov. 9, during a pre-decisional enforcement conference. Company officials did not contest the violations, but provided information about long-term corrective actions. The company has 30 days in which to dispute the fine or request involvement of a neutral third-party mediator to resolve the issue.
 

Peach Bottom: Fifth 10-Year Interval of the Inservice Testing Program

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Safety Evaluation of Relief Request 01A-VRR-4 Regarding the Fifth 10-Year Interval of the Inservice Testing Program (EPID L-2017-LLR-0097)

ADAMS Accession No. ML17332A019

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Issuance of Amendments Re: Measurement Uncertainty Recapture Power Uprate (CAC Nos. MF9289 and MF9290

Download: DEP Response - Cooling Tower-MUR
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Wolf Administration Invites Public to Learn about Solar Energy Initiatives in Economically Disadvantaged Communities in Free Webinar

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection

Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/30/2017

CONTACT:
Deb Klenotic, DEP
717-783-9954


Wolf Administration Invites Public to Learn about Solar Energy Initiatives in Economically Disadvantaged Communities in Free Webinar



Harrisburg, PA – The Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future planning project group, led by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), invites the public to learn about solar energy initiatives in economically disadvantaged communities in Pennsylvania and across the country in a free webinar from noon to 1:00 PM on Monday, December 4.

Registration is required. Please register here.

The Wolf administration supports statewide efforts to advance solar energy and clean energy job creation in the commonwealth, as demonstrated by new legislation requiring utilities to get electricity solar renewable energy credits only from Pennsylvania solar facilities and the recent announcement of $30 million in grants and loans available for solar installations and solar equipment manufacturing in the state.

In planning approaches for increased solar energy development, the Pennsylvania’s Solar Future project group is working to ensure the benefits of solar energy are enjoyed by all communities.

In this webinar, experts will give an overview of challenges, opportunities, and success stories in solar energy projects in economically disadvantaged communities locally and nationally. Through a Q&A afterward, participants can share their views on the questions and concerns that economically disadvantaged communities in Pennsylvania have related to solar energy development.

Panelists:
•    Andrew Kleeman, senior vice president at Ecosave, Inc., a multinational clean energy developer with its U.S. office in Philadelphia, will discuss a set of solar power systems at a new affordable housing development in Philadelphia that Ecosave is building. He’ll also talk about several Pennsylvania solar projects he helped develop at public housing sites and tax-incented affordable housing projects in previous positions.
•    Anya Schoolman, executive director at Solar United Neighbors, will discuss successful solar models for economically disadvantaged communities with a focus on projects in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Although these projects had local subsidies, Anya will suggest lessons Pennsylvania may draw from their successes.  
•    Erica McConnell, special counsel at Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger, PPL., represents the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). She’ll share cases from across the country of successful community solar initiatives for economically disadvantaged groups and explain resources available from the council.   

Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, under Award No. EE0007666, the Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future project is a statewide planning effort to increase Pennsylvania's solar energy production to at least 10 percent of in-state electricity sales by 2030.

PPL Corporation Anticipates Substantial Declines in its Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 2050

PPL Corporation Anticipates Substantial Declines in its Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 2050

Reductions outlined in report on climate risks and opportunities

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Nov. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL) anticipates its generation-related carbon dioxide emissions will decline substantially by 2050 as its Kentucky utilities retire aging coal units and replace them with natural gas and renewable generation. 
The company's Climate Assessment report, issued Thursday (11/30), concludes that carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions of 45-90 percent are likely at PPL's Kentucky power plants by 2050 even without CO2 regulation (PPL's U.K. and Pennsylvania utilities do not generate power). Whether reductions tilt more to the high or low end of that range will depend largely on the share of natural gas versus renewable generation in the replacement mix.
"Any way we look at it, we expect emissions to decline sharply by 2050," said William H. Spence, chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer for PPL Corporation. "And in the long run, that supports efforts to advance a cleaner energy future."
Spence said the company's report considers three different scenarios in potential CO2 reductions from its Kentucky segment through 2050. These scenarios include potential reductions absent any CO2 regulation, reductions assuming targets consistent with the Clean Power Plan and finally, reductions through 2050 consistent with limiting the global temperature increase to no more than 2-degrees Celsius by 2100.
"Although we can't predict what future legal and policy requirements may exist, we believe PPL's expected carbon dioxide reductions by 2050 could satisfy what may be needed by that time under a scenario consistent with limiting the global temperature increase to no more than 2-degrees Celsius," Spence said.
In addition to assessing potential emissions declines, the company's report also discusses climate-related risks and opportunities that may impact all of PPL's businesses, actions the company is taking to identify and manage risk, and PPL's efforts to advance a sustainable energy future.
"While we own generation in Kentucky, the vast majority of our business is focused solely on delivering power," Spence said. "More than 80 percent of our earnings were driven by our energy delivery businesses in the United Kingdom and Pennsylvania in 2016. These businesses, along with our Kentucky operations, continue to look for new ways to support a cleaner energy future."
Spence said PPL's actions include connecting renewable generation, researching clean energy technologies, building a smarter, more dynamic, more resilient grid and helping customers conserve electricity. Highlights are included in the Climate Assessment report, which can be found at www.pplweb.com/investors. Additional information can be found in PPL's Sustainability Report at www.pplsustainability.com.  
"As we plan for the future, we regularly assess the risks and opportunities associated with climate change," Spence said. "From strengthening grid resiliency to better withstand severe weather to investing in new technology that enables more distributed energy resources, PPL is effectively managing climate risks and seizing opportunities, where appropriate. We will continue to do so as we look to preserve and grow shareowner value moving forward."
Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is one of the largest companies in the U.S. utility sector. PPL's seven high-performing, award-winning utilities serve 10 million customers in the United States and United Kingdom. With about 13,000 employees, PPL is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and reliability and delivering superior value for shareowners. To learn more, visit www.pplweb.com. 
Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.
Contacts: For news media: Ryan Hill, 610-774-5997
                For financial analysts: Lisa Pammer, 610-774-3316
SOURCE PPL Corporation                                                                                                                                   

NRC to Hold Mandatory Hearing on Turkey Point New Reactor Application


No: 17-048 November 28, 2017 CONTACT: Scott Burnell, 301-415-8200
NRC to Hold Mandatory Hearing on Turkey Point New Reactor Application
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will conduct a mandatory hearing Dec. 12, on an application for Combined Licenses to build and operate Units 6 and 7 at the Turkey Point site in Florida. This hearing marks the final step in the agency’s Part 52 reactor licensing process.
The Commission’s hearing will include testimony and exhibits from applicant Florida Power and Light, as well as NRC staff, on the question of whether the staff’s review adequately supports the findings necessary to issue the licenses.
The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in the Commission Hearing Room at NRC Headquarters, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md. The hearing will be open to public observation and will be webcast. A detailed agenda and presentation slides will be available in advance on the Commission’s meeting transcript page.
FPL is applying for permission to build and operate two AP1000 reactors adjacent to the existing Turkey Point reactors, approximately 40 miles south of Miami. FPL submitted the application on June 30, 2009. The NRC certified the 1,100-megawatt AP1000 design in 2011; more information on the certification process is available on the NRC website.
The NRC’s Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards independently reviewed the safety aspects of the application, as well as the staff’s final safety evaluation report. The committee provided the results of its review to the Commission in September 2016. The NRC completed its environmental review and issued the final impact statement for the proposed Turkey Point reactors in October 2016.
Media Notes: Members of the media are asked to call the NRC Office of Public Affairs (301-415-8200) in advance to provide the names of those attending the meeting to assure sufficient seating. Seats on one side of the Commission hearing room will be reserved for accredited members of the news media. Photographers will have limited space at the meeting in which to take photos. Movement must be kept to a minimum to limit distractions, and entry into the inner well closest to the Commission briefing table is prohibited. Plan to arrive in advance of the meeting at the NRC’s One White Flint North entrance, at the corner of Rockville Pike and Marinelli Road, with proper media credentials. The NRC is located across the street from the White Flint Metro station. Parking is available at the White Flint Metro parking garage on Marinelli Road.

Exelon 2016 and 2017 Reports on Guarantees of Payment of Deferred Premiums

Download: Exelon Payment of Deferred Premiums
Download: E171113t120131_171109, 2017 Annual Report-Guarantees of Payment

NRC Issues Regulatory Basis for New Decommissioning Regulations

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release
No: 17-047 November 27, 2017
CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200

NRC Issues Regulatory Basis for New Decommissioning Regulations

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has completed the regulatory basis for proposed new regulations on the decommissioning of commercial nuclear power reactors. The regulatory basis supports a proposed rule expected to be published for public comment next year.

In the regulatory basis, the NRC staff concludes that there is sufficient justification to proceed with new regulations in the areas of emergency preparedness, physical security, cyber security, drug and alcohol testing, training requirements for certified fuel handlers, decommissioning trust funds, financial protection requirements and indemnity agreements, and application of the backfit rule. In many cases, these new regulations would formalize steps to transition power reactors from operating status to decommissioning, without the use of exemptions and license amendments.

The NRC staff also recommends clarifying requirements regarding topics such as spent fuel management and environmental reporting requirements. The NRC staff recommends addressing some topics via updated guidance or inspection procedures in lieu of rulemaking. These topics include the role of state and local governments in the decommissioning process, certain staffing requirements, and aging management of certain plant systems, structures, and components.

The NRC issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in November 2015, followed by a draft regulatory basis in March 2017. The NRC staff considered public comments received during both stages in preparing this regulatory basis.

Premium exemptions

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Decommissioning nuclear reactors is a long-term and costly process

Since 2013, six commercial nuclear reactors in the United States have shut down, and an additional eight reactors have announced plans to retire by 2025. The retirement process for nuclear power plants involves disposing of nuclear waste and decontaminating equipment and facilities to reduce residual radioactivity, making it much more expensive and time consuming than retiring other power plants. As of 2017, a total of 10 commercial nuclear reactors in the United States have been successfully decommissioned, and another 20 U.S. nuclear reactors are currently in different stages of the decommissioning process.

To fully decommission a power plant, the facility must be deconstructed and the site returned to greenfield status (meaning the site is safe for reuse for purposes such as housing, farming, or industrial use). Nuclear reactor operators must safely dispose of any onsite nuclear waste and remove or contain any radioactive material, including nuclear fuel as well as irradiated equipment and buildings.

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Exelon Generation Company, LLC - Request for Withholding Information Regarding Guarantees of Payment of Deferred Premiums (EPID L-2017-LRO-0059)

Exelon Generation Company, LLC - Request for Withholding Information Regarding Guarantees of Payment of Deferred Premiums (EPID L-2017-LRO-0059)

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Peach Bottom: Measurement Uncertainty Recapture Power Uprate

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Issuance of Amendments Re:  Measurement Uncertainty Recapture Power Uprate (CAC Nos. MF9289 and MF9290; EPID L-2017-LLS-0001)

ADMAS Accession No. ML17286A013

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 – Staff Assessment of Flooding Focused Evaluation

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 – Staff Assessment of Flooding Focused Evaluation

ADAMS Accession No. ML17292B763

Peach Bottom: Fitness-For-Duty Test


Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 Licensed Operator Positive Fitness-For-Duty Test
ADAMS No.:  ML17317B550 

TMI: Staff Assessment of Flooding Focused Evaluation


Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 1 - Staff Assessment of Flooding Focused Evaluation
ADAMS Accession No. ML17254A424

NRC Schedules TVA Update Meeting on Watts Bar Work Environment

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release
No: II-17-049 October 24, 2017
Contact: Roger Hannah, 404-997-4417
Joey Ledford, 404-997-4416

NRC Schedules TVA Update Meeting on Watts Bar Work Environment

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has scheduled a public meeting with Tennessee Valley Authority officials for Thursday, Nov. 2, to be briefed on the current status and progress of actions to address the chilled work environment in the operations department at the Watts Bar nuclear power plant.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., at the Comfort Inn, 2811 Decatur Pike, Athens, Tenn. The plant is located near Spring City, about 60 miles southwest of Knoxville, Tenn.

On March 23, 2016, the NRC staff issued a letter to TVA indicating that some of its operations employees may not have felt comfortable raising safety concerns at the plant. Specifically, the NRC expressed concern that some licensed operators may have been unduly influenced by TVA managers outside the control room, which could have caused what is described as a “chilling effect” on the plant’s work environment, making it less likely for employees to raise safety issues.

During the meeting, TVA is expected to provide an update on its corrective actions related to the work environment at the plant, enabling NRC officials to ask questions and discuss the agency’s plans to continue to provide oversight regarding this issue.

NRC staff will be available following the business portion of the meeting to answer questions from members of the public and the media. Anyone unable to attend and preferring to listen to the meeting via a toll-free teleconference line should contact the NRC’s Anthony Masters by Oct. 31, at 404-997-4465 or by email anthony.masters@nrc.gov.

TMI: Ammendment: Changes to Technical Specifications


Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 1 – Issuance of Amendment Re: Changes to Technical Specification 5.4.2, 6.1.2, and 6.2.2
ADAMS Accession No. ML17233A138

NRC Launches Special Inspection at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release
No: II-17-046 October 3, 2017
Contact: Roger Hannah, 404-997-4417
Joey Ledford, 404-997-4416

NRC Launches Special Inspection at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has launched a special inspection into the failure of a high pressure coolant injection discharge valve on Unit 3 of the Browns Ferry nuclear plant.

The plant, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority is located near Athens, Ala., about 32 miles west of Huntsville, Ala.

On Sept. 24, during routine testing, the high pressure coolant injection system unexpectedly pumped water into the reactor vessel instead of a storage tank, and TVA later determined that a failed nut on a valve allowed it to remain partially open.

Other plant systems responded as expected, but the valve failure prompted the NRC to begin the special inspection.

The inspection team will review the valve failure and TVA’s actions as well as maintenance practices and the history of such valves.

The onsite portion of the inspection is expected to take several days. A report documenting the results of the inspection should be issued within 45 days of the completion of the inspection.