[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 226 (Friday, November 24, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58112-58113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-28604]



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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket Nos. STN 50-529 and STN 50-530]


Arizona Public Service Company, et al., Palo Verde Nuclear 
Generating Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3; Environmental Assessment and 
Finding of No Significant Impact

    The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is 
considering issuance of amendments to Facility Operating License Nos. 
NPF-51 and NPF-74, issued to Arizona Public Service Company, et al. 
(the licensee), for operation of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating 
Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3, located in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Environmental Assessment

Identification of the Proposed Action

    The proposed action would delete provisions added by previous 
amendments as a result of previous sale and leaseback arrangements 
entered into by El Paso Electric Company. El Paso Electric Company 
would re-obtain full ownership rights and continue to receive electric 
output from Palo Verde at its proportionate share. The requested 
rescission is part of a reorganization plan being pursued by El Paso 
Electric Company under a pending case before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court 
for the Western District of Texas subsequent to its filing for 
protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on January 8, 
1992.
    The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's 
application for amendment dated October 3, 1995.

The Need for the Proposed Action

    The proposed action in the form of an amendment is needed for 
approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas 
of a reorganization plan being pursued by El Paso Electric Company in a 
proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code initiated on 
January 8, 1992.

Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action

    The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed action 
and concludes that there will be no changes to the facility or to the 
operating, maintenance, engineering or other nuclear-related personnel 
as a result of the proposed reorganization and license 

[[Page 58113]]
amendment. No changes resulting from the reorganization are expected 
with regard to the following: lines of authority and responsibility, 
essential nuclear support functions provided to Palo Verde, 
effectiveness of the organization, priorities and ongoing plant 
improvement projects, technical qualifications, and corporate financial 
resources presently available in support of Palo Verde operations.
    The 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 the proposed action.
    With regard to potential nonradiological impacts, the proposed 
action does not 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 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 Related to 
the Operation of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, 
and 3,'' dated February 1982.

Agencies and Persons Consulted

    In accordance with its stated policy, on November 9, 1995, the 
staff consulted with the Arizona State official, Mr. William Wright of 
the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency, 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 3, 1995, which is 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 Phoenix Public Library, 12 N. Central, 
Phoenix, Arizona 85004.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 15th day of November 1995.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Charles R. Thomas,
Project Manager, Project Directorate IV-2, Division of Reactor 
Projects--III/IV, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 95-28604 Filed 11-22-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P