[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 18, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44548-44549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-18114]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. 50-336]


In the Matter of Northeast Nuclear Energy Company, et al. 
(Millstone Nuclear Power Station, Unit 2); Exemption

I

    Northeast Nuclear Energy Company, et al., is the holder of Facility 
Operating License No. DPR-65 which authorizes operation of Millstone 
Nuclear Power Station, Unit 2. Millstone Nuclear Power Station, Unit 2 
is a pressurized water reactor located in Waterford, Connecticut. The 
license provides, among other things, that the facility is subject to 
all rules, regulations, and orders of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission (the Commission or NRC) now or hereafter in effect.

II

    Appendix R, ``Fire Protection Program for Nuclear Power Facilities 
Operating Prior to January 1, 1979,'' to title 10 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (10 CFR) part 50, establishes fire protection 
features required to satisfy General Design Criterion 3, ``Fire 
protection,'' of Appendix A to 10 CFR part 50, with respect to certain 
generic issues for nuclear power plants licensed to operate prior to 
January 1, 1979. By letter dated February 14, 2000, as supplemented by 
letters dated April 5 and May 31, 2000, Northeast Nuclear Energy 
Company, (NNECO), the licensee for Millstone Nuclear Power Station, 
Unit No. 2, requested an exemption from the technical requirements of 
10 CFR part 50, appendix R, section III.J to the extent that it 
requires emergency lighting units with at least an 8-hour battery power 
supply to light all areas needed for operation of safe shutdown 
equipment and in access and egress routes thereto. NNECO proposed to 
credit the security lighting system currently installed at the plant 
for access and egress route emergency lighting in lieu of providing 
separate emergency lighting units with an 8-hour battery supply in the 
Unit 3 yard area.

III

    As a result of the decommissioning of Unit 1, the existing tie to 
Unit 1 Vital

[[Page 44549]]

Electrical Bus 14H will be disconnected. The licensee will credit a new 
4160-volt electrical tie to the Unit 3 Alternate AC diesel generator as 
the alternate AC power source for Unit 2 to comply with Appendix R. 
Access to the Unit 3 Alternate AC diesel generator and associated 
switchgear enclosures so that Unit 3 operators could start the diesel 
generator and make the necessary electrical ties to the Unit 2 bus 
requires travel through the Unit 3 yard area.
    The outdoor access and egress route to the Unit 3 Alternate AC 
diesel generator and switchgear enclosures extends from the west 
entrance of Millstone Unit 3 Building 323 (grade elevation), north 
through a paved area to a service road, following the road generally to 
the east and then south to the enclosures.
    The licensee proposes to credit the security lighting system for 
access and egress route emergency lighting in lieu of an 8-hour battery 
supply in the yard area. The basis for this is as follows:
    1. The security lighting system illuminates the required access and 
egress routes;
    2. The security lighting power supply is backed by a security 
diesel generator with fuel storage capacity to ensure operation greater 
than or equal to 8 hours;
    3. The security generator, components, and circuits are independent 
from the postulated fire areas which require access to the 4160-volt 
Bus 14H enclosure, Intake Structure, or RWST pipe chase.
    These actions will ensure that the appendix R, section III.J 
requirement to the extent that emergency lighting units with at least 
an 8-hour supply are met.
    There are also portable lighting units dedicated for operations 
department use that would provide additional defense-in-depth for 
ensuring adequate lighting is available. The equipment is 
administratively controlled and located inside the Millstone Unit 3 
Control Room Complex.

IV

    The underlying purpose of section III.J of appendix R is to ensure 
that fixed lighting of sufficient duration and reliability is provided 
to allow operation of equipment required for post-fire, safe shutdown 
of the reactor. Lighting for access/egress associated with the 
equipment is also required.
    Large area applications will typically impose electrical load 
requirements which are beyond the normal limits of battery units. The 
security lighting system illuminates the required access and egress 
routes. The power supply is backed by a security diesel generator with 
fuel storage capacity to ensure operation with at least an 8-hour 
supply. The security generator, components and circuits are independent 
from the postulated fire areas which require access to the Unit 3 
Alternate AC diesel generator and consistent with the defense-in-depth 
approach to fire protection.
    Based on the availability and reliability of the security lighting 
of sufficient duration and the availability of portable lighting, there 
is reasonable assurance that the access/egress routes through the yard 
area that are relied on for safe shutdown of the facility can be 
accessed in the event of a fire.
    On the basis of its evaluation, the NRC staff has concluded that 
the application of the regulation, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii), 
in this special circumstance is not necessary to achieve the underlying 
purpose of the rule.

V

    The Commission has determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.12(a), an 
exemption to allow use of security lighting is authorized by law, will 
not present an undue risk to the public health and safety, and is 
consistent with the common defense and security. Further, special 
circumstances are present, as set forth in 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii). 
Therefore, the Commission hereby grants an exemption from the 
requirements of 10 CFR, part 50, appendix R, section III.J.
    Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.32, the Commission has determined that this 
exemption will not have a significant effect on the quality of the 
human environment (65 FR 41738).
    This exemption is effective upon issuance.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 7th day of July 2000.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
John A. Zwolinski,
Director Division of Licensing Project Management, Office of Nuclear 
Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 00-18114 Filed 7-17-00; 8:45 am]
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