[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 172 (Thursday, September 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51259-51264]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17601]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION


Notice of Availability of Model Application Concerning Technical 
Specification Improvement To Revise Moderator Temperature Coefficient 
(MTC) Surveillance for Startup Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program 
(WCAP-16011)

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the staff of the Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission (NRC) has prepared a model safety evaluation (SE) 
and model license amendment request (LAR) relating to the modification 
of technical specification (TS) moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) 
surveillance requirements (SR) associated with implementation of WCAP-
16011-P-A, ``Startup Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program.'' The NRC 
staff has also prepared a model no significant hazards consideration 
(NSHC) determination relating to this matter. The purpose of these 
models are to permit the NRC to efficiently process amendments that 
propose to modify TS MTC surveillance requirements for implementing the 
STAR Program. Licensees of nuclear power reactors to which the models 
apply could then request amendments, confirming the applicability of 
the SE and NSHC determination to their reactors.

DATES: The NRC staff issued a Federal Register notice (72 FR 41360, 
July 27, 2007) which provided a model SE, model application, and model 
NSHC related to modification of TS MTC surveillance requirements. 
Similarly, the NRC staff herein provides a revised model SE, model LAR, 
and model NSHC incorporating changes based upon the public comments 
received. The NRC staff can most efficiently consider applications 
based upon the model LAR, which references the model SE, if the LAR is 
submitted within one year of this Federal Register Notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Kobetz, Mail Stop: O-12H2, 
Technical Specifications Branch, Division of Inspection & Regional 
Support, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, telephone 301-415-1932.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Regulatory Issue Summary 2000-06, ``Consolidated Line Item 
Improvement Process for Adopting Standard Technical Specification 
Changes for Power Reactors,'' was issued on March 20, 2000. The 
consolidated line item improvement process (CLIIP) is intended to 
improve the efficiency of NRC licensing processes by processing 
proposed changes to the standard technical specifications (STS) in a 
manner that supports subsequent license amendment applications. The 
CLIIP includes an opportunity for the public to comment on proposed 
changes to the STS following a preliminary assessment by the NRC staff 
and finding that the change will likely be offered for adoption by 
licensees. The CLIIP directs the NRC staff to evaluate any comments 
received for a proposed change to the STS and to either reconsider the 
change or to proceed with announcing the availability of the change for 
proposed adoption by licensees. Those licensees opting to apply for the 
subject change to technical specifications are responsible for 
reviewing the staff's evaluation, referencing the applicable technical 
justifications, and providing any necessary plant-specific information. 
Each amendment application made in response to the notice of 
availability will be processed and noticed in accordance with 
applicable rules and NRC procedures.
    This notice involves the modification of TS MTC surveillance 
requirements for implementing the STAR Program. This change was 
proposed for incorporation into the standard technical specifications 
by the owners groups participants in the Technical Specification Task 
Force (TSTF) and is designated TSTF-486, Revision 2. TSTF-486, Revision 
2, can be viewed on the NRC's Web page at http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/licensing/techspecs.html.

Applicability

    This proposal to modify TS MTC surveillance requirements for 
implementing the STAR Program, as proposed in TSTF-486, Revision 2, is 
applicable to Combustion Engineering (CE) design plants.
    To efficiently process the incoming license amendment applications, 
the staff requests that each licensee applying for the changes proposed 
in TSTF-486, Revision 2, include TS Bases for the proposed TS 
consistent with the TS Bases proposed in TSTF-486, Revision 2. The 
staff is requesting that the TS Bases be included with the proposed 
license amendments in this case because the changes to the TS and the 
changes to the associated TS Bases form an integral change to a plant's 
licensing basis. To ensure that the overall change, including the TS 
Bases, includes appropriate regulatory controls, the staff plans to 
condition the issuance of each license amendment on the licensee's 
incorporation of the changes into the TS Bases document and that the 
licensee control changes to the TS Bases in accordance with the 
licensees TS Bases Control Program. The CLIIP does not prevent 
licensees from requesting an alternative approach or proposing the 
changes without the requested TS Bases. However, deviations from the 
approach recommended in this notice may require additional review by 
the NRC staff and may increase the time and resources needed for the 
review. Significant variations from the approach, or inclusion of 
additional changes to the license, will result in staff rejection of

[[Page 51260]]

the submittal. Instead, licensees desiring significant variations and/
or additional changes should submit a LAR that does not request to 
adopt TSTF-486, Revision 2, under CLIIP.

Public Notices

    The staff issued a Federal Register Notice (72 FR 41360, July 27, 
2007) that requested public comment on the NRC's pending action to 
approve modification of TS MTC surveillance requirements for 
implementing the STAR Program, as proposed in TSTF-486, Revision 2. The 
TSTF-486, Revision 2, can be viewed on the NRC's Web page at http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/licensing/techspecs.html. TSTF-486, 
Revision 2, may be examined, and/or copied for a fee, at the NRC's 
Public Document Room, located at One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville 
Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland. Publicly available records are 
accessible electronically from the ADAMS Public Library component on 
the NRC Web site, (the Electronic Reading Room) at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.
    In response to the notice soliciting comments from interested 
members of the public about modifying TS MTC surveillance requirements, 
the staff received one set of comments (from the TSTF Owners Groups, 
representing licensees). The specific comments are provided and 
discussed below:
    1. Comment: The Summary states that the NRC staff has prepared a 
model SE, model LAR, and a model NSHC. However, the last sentence of 
the section requests comments only on the model SE and model NSHC. 
Comments should also be requested on the model license amendment 
request as well.
    Response: The staff agrees with the comment, and has accepted and 
addressed comments to the model license amendment below.
    2. Comment: Model SE, section 2.1, Proposed Change, eighth bullet. 
This bullet describes changes to digital SR 3.1.3.2 (in STS NUREG-
1432), not analog SR 3.1.3.2 as stated.
    Response: The staff agrees with the comment, and the model SE, 
section 2.1, Proposed Change, is corrected in the notice of 
availability.
    3. Comment: Model SE, section 7.0, References, Reference 4. Change 
``Tevision'' to ``Revision.''
    Response: The staff agrees with the comment, and the model SE, 
section 7.0 References, Reference 4 is corrected in the notice of 
availability.
    4. Comment: Model Application, the third paragraph omits Attachment 
5, which is shown in the list of Attachments below the signature.
    Response: The staff agrees with the comment, and Attachment 5 is 
now added in the third paragraph of the model application.
    5. Comment: Model Application. The model Application states, ``I 
declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of 
America that I am authorized by [LICENSEE] to make this request and 
that the foregoing is true and correct.'' This statement is not 
consistent with the recommended statement given in RIS 2001-18, 
``Requirements for Oath or Affirmation.'' RIS 2001-18 recommends the 
statement, ``I declare [or certify, verify, state] under penalty of 
perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.'' Note that RIS 2001-18 
states that this statement must be used verbatim. We recommend that the 
model Application be revised to be consistent with RIS 2001-18.
    Response: The staff agrees with the comment, and the model 
Application is revised to be consistent with RIS 2001-18.
    6. Comment: Model Application Attachment 4, the regulatory 
commitment states ``[LICENSEE] will establish the Technical 
Specification Bases for TS [3.1.3] as adopted with the applicable 
license amendment.'' This statement is incorrect as the Bases changes 
included for information with the license amendment request are not 
``adopted'' with the license amendment. Bases changes are made under 
licensee control under the Technical Specification Bases Control 
Program as stated in the model Safety Evaluation. We recommend revising 
the commitment to state ``[LICENSEE] will implement Technical 
Specification Bases for TS [3.1.3] consistent with those shown in the 
license amendment.''
    Response: The staff agrees with the comment that the commitments 
paragraph needs to be reworded. The paragraph now reads, ``[LICENSEE] 
will establish Technical Specification Bases for TS [3.1.3] consistent 
with those shown in the license amendment.''
    7. Comment: Model NSHC, to be consistent with 10 CFR 50.91(a), the 
title of Criterion 2 should be revised to add the word ``Accident'' 
before ``Previously Evaluated.'' Specifically, it should state, ``The 
Proposed Change Does Not Create the Possibility of a New or Different 
Kind of Accident from any Accident Previously Evaluated.''
    Response: The staff agrees with the comment, and the model NSHC is 
corrected in the notice of availability.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 29th day of August, 2007.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Timothy J. Kobetz,
Chief, Technical Specifications Branch, Division of Inspection and 
Regional Support, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.

Model Safety Evaluation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of 
Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Consolidated Line Item Improvement, 
Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF) Change TSTF-486, Revision 2, 
Modification of Technical Specification Moderator Temperature 
Coefficient Surveillance Requirements Associated With Implementation of 
the Startup Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program

1.0 Introduction

    By letter dated June 3, 2005, (Reference 1) the Technical 
Specifications Task Force (TSTF), a joint owners group activity, 
submitted TSTF-486, ``Revise MTC Surveillance for Startup Test Activity 
Reduction (STAR) Program (WCAP-16011),'' Revision 0, for NRC review. By 
letter dated February 20, 2007, (Reference 2) the TSTF submitted TSTF-
486, Revision 1, for NRC review. By letter dated March 10, 2007, 
(Reference 3) the TSTF submitted TSTF-486, Revision 2, for NRC review. 
TSTF-486 is proposing to change NUREG 1432, ``Standard Technical 
Specifications Combustion Engineering Plants,'' (CE STS) Revision 3.1 
(Reference 4), to generically implement moderator temperature 
coefficient (MTC) surveillance requirement changes associated with 
implementation of WCAP-16011-P-A, ``Startup Test Activity Reduction 
(STAR) Program,'' (Reference 5).
    WCAP-16011-P-A describes methods to reduce the time required for 
startup testing. To this end, WCAP-16011-P-A proposes methods to 
eliminate the control element assembly (CEA) worth and isothermal 
temperature coefficient (ITC) measurements at hot zero power (HZP). The 
measured ITC is used to calculate the HZP MTC. WCAP-16011-P-A includes 
a method to substitute the measured verification of MTC at HZP with an 
alternate MTC verification consisting of the predicted (calculated) MTC 
and measured critical boron concentration (CBC) at HZP. When this 
alternate MTC verification is utilized, WCAP-16011-P-A adds the 
requirement for the early in cycle MTC measurement to verify MTC is not 
more negative than allowed is also used to verify MTC is not more 
positive than allowed. WCAP-16011-P-A adds an ITC measurement at 
intermediate to hot full power (HFP) and applicability requirements for 
core design,

[[Page 51261]]

fabrication, refueling, startup testing, and CEA lifetime viability 
requirements. WCAP-16011-P-A methods can only be applied to cores that 
are well characterized by an existing database. WCAP-16011-P-A is only 
applicable to the particular plants that participated in its 
development, as indicated in the document.
    TSTF-486 will provide standardized wording in the CE STS for plants 
implementing the WCAP-16011-P-A alternate MTC verification at startup.

2.0 Regulatory Evaluation

    In 10 CFR 50.36, the Commission established its regulatory 
requirements related to the content of TS. Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.36, TS 
are required to include items in the following five specific categories 
related to station operation: (1) Safety limits, limiting safety system 
settings, and limiting control settings; (2) limiting conditions for 
operation (LCOs); (3) surveillance requirements (SRs); (4) design 
features; and (5) administrative controls. The regulations do not 
specify the particular requirements to be included in a plant's TS and 
do not explicitly prescribe specific post-refueling startup testing. 
However, the genesis for post-refueling startup testing can be traced 
to the pre-operational testing required to be specified in the Final 
Safety Analysis Report by 10 CFR 50.34. Additionally, 10 CFR 50.36 
specifies SRs relating to test, calibration, or inspection to assure 
that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained, 
that facility operation will be within safety limits, and that the 
limiting conditions for operation will be met. Additionally, 10 CFR 
Part 50, Appendix A, ``General Design Criteria'' (GDC) apply, in that 
the GDC establish the necessary design, fabrication, construction, 
testing, and performance requirements for structures, systems, and 
components important to safety. Additionally, 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix 
B, ``Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel 
Reprocessing Plants'' apply, in that Criterion III ``Design Control'' 
requires that `` * * * measures shall provide for verifying or checking 
the adequacy of design, such as by the performance of design reviews, 
by the use of alternate or simplified calculational methods, or by the 
performance of a suitable testing program.'' Specifically, MTC is a 
parameter controlled in the licensee's TS, including surveillance 
requirements. As a value in the TS, MTC and the applicable SRs are 
subject to regulatory oversight.

2.1 Proposed Change

    TSTF-486 would make the following changes to the CE STS contained 
in NUREG-1432.
    [squ] The proposed change revises the MTC (Analog) Surveillance 
Requirement (SR) 3.1.3.1, Surveillance, to indicate the MTC upper limit 
is specified in the Core Operating Limits Report (COLR).
    [squ] The proposed change revises the MTC (Analog) SR 3.1.3.1, 
Frequency, to add a requirement to verify MTC is within the upper limit 
within seven (7) effective full power days (EFPD) of reaching 40 EFPD 
of core burnup. This verification would only be required if the MTC 
determined prior to entering Mode 1 is determined using an adjusted, 
predicted MTC.
    [squ] The proposed change revises MTC (Analog) surveillance 
requirement (SR) 3.1.3.2, Note, to indicate the MTC lower limit is 
specified in the COLR.
    [squ] The proposed change revises MTC (Analog) SR 3.1.3.2, 
Frequency, to replace the phrase `effective full power days' with the 
acronym `EFPD.'
    [squ] The proposed change revises MTC (Digital) SR 3.1.3.1, 
Surveillance, to indicate the MTC upper limit is specified in the Core 
Operating Limits Report (COLR).
    [squ] The proposed change revises MTC (Digital) SR 3.1.3.1, 
Frequency, to add a requirement to verify MTC is within the upper limit 
within seven (7) EFPD of reaching 40 EFPD of core burnup. This 
verification would only be required if the MTC determined prior to 
entering Mode 1 is determined using an adjusted predicted MTC.
    [squ] The proposed change revises MTC (Digital) SR 3.1.3.2, 
Surveillance, and accompanying Note to indicate the MTC lower limit is 
specified in the COLR.
    [squ] The proposed change revises MTC (Digital) SR 3.1.3.2, 
Frequency, to replace the phrase `effective full power days' with the 
acronym `EFPD.' TSTF-486 includes changes to the CE STS Bases B 3.1.3 
contained in NUREG-1432.
    [squ] Deletes the last sentence of the second paragraph of the 
Background section. (Analog) (Digital)
    [squ] Modifies the first sentence of the first paragraph in the LCO 
section to state that the COLR contains both positive and negative MTC 
limits. Modifies the third sentence of the first paragraph in the LCO 
section to state the purpose of the positive MTC limit in the COLR. 
(Analog) (Digital).
    [squ] Inserts a new paragraph in the LCO section, between the 
existing first and second paragraphs, into the LCO section to explain 
the positive MTC limits contained in CE STS LCO 3.1.3. (Analog) 
(Digital).
    [squ] Modifies the current second paragraph in the LCO section to 
include a discussion of how MTC may be controlled using CEA position 
and boron concentration. (Analog) (Digital).
    [squ] Modifies the Surveillance Requirements section by adding a 
Reviewer Note describing the use of the Alternate MTC verification 
method contained in WCAP-16011-P-A. (Analog) (Digital).
    [squ] Modifies the first paragraph of the Surveillance Requirements 
section, breaking it into three paragraphs. The new first paragraph 
consists of the first and second sentences and precedes the Reviewer's 
Note; the text is otherwise unchanged. The new second paragraph is the 
third sentence of the current first paragraph; the text is otherwise 
unchanged. The new third paragraph is the remainder of the current 
first paragraph, it is modified to state the MTC verification must 
occur within seven (7) effective full power days of reaching 40 
effective full power days and that the MTC limits are in the COLR. 
(Analog) (Digital).
    [squ] The existing second paragraph of the Surveillance 
Requirements section becomes the fourth paragraph and is modified to 
state the end of cycle MTC limit is specified in the COLR. (Analog) 
(Digital).
    [squ] The References section is modified to add, in brackets, WCAP-
16011-P-A. (Analog) (Digital).

3.0 Technical Evaluation

    As stated previously, WCAP-16011-P-A describes methods to reduce 
the time required for startup testing. The NRC approved WCAP-16011-P-A 
on January 14, 2005, for referencing in license applications to the 
extent specified and under the limitations stated in the topical report 
and NRC evaluation.
    CE STS SR 3.1.3.1 (Analog) and SR 3.1.3.1 (Digital) are being 
revised to add a frequency that is required by WCAP-16011-P-A when the 
alternate MTC verification method is used to verify MTC is within the 
upper limit during startup testing. That frequency coincides with the 
SR 3.1.3.2 verification that MTC is within the lower limit at 40 EFPD. 
This frequency is consistent with WCAP-16011-P-A and therefore 
acceptable.
    CE STS SR 3.1.3.1 (Analog), and SR 3.1.3.1 (Digital) are also being 
revised to state the upper MTC limit is in the COLR. Currently, the 
location of the upper limit is not specified in either Analog or 
Digital CE STS SR. CE STS 3.1.3 (Analog) LCO states, ``The MTC

[[Page 51262]]

shall be maintained within the limits specified in the COLR. The 
maximum positive limit shall be that specified in Figure 3.1.3-1.'' 
Figure 3.1.3-1 is contained in the CE STS. CE STS 3.1.3 (Digital) LCO 
states, ``The MTC shall be maintained within the limits specified in 
the COLR, and a maximum positive limit as specified below:'' Two 
equations then follow for determining the maximum positive limit. The 
use of the plural in the LCO statements indicate the STS expect there 
to be upper and lower limits in the COLR, of which the upper limit 
would be bounded by the value in the TS. Therefore, specifying in the 
SR that the upper limit be within the COLR limit is consistent with the 
CE STS. The specific wording is also consistent with current phrasing 
in the CE STS. Therefore, this change is acceptable.
    CE STS SR 3.1.3.2 (Digital) is also being revised to state the 
lower MTC limit is in the COLR. Currently, the location of the lower 
limit is specified in the Note. This change makes the CE STS SR 3.1.3.2 
(Digital) consistent with the analog equivalent. The specific wording 
is also consistent with current phrasing in the CE STS. Therefore, this 
change is acceptable.
    The first sentence of the Note in CE STS SR 3.1.3.2 (Analog) and SR 
3.1.3.2 (Digital) is being revised from, ``If the MTC is more negative 
than the COLR limit * * *'' to ``If the MTC is more negative than the 
limit specified in the COLR * * *'' SR 3.1.3.2 (Digital) is being 
revised from ``Verify MTC is within the lower limit.'' to ``Verify MTC 
is within the lower limit specified in the COLR.'' In all instances the 
MTC lower limit is specified in the COLR. The revised wording is 
consistent with other CE STS references to the COLR. Therefore, this 
change is acceptable.
    The revision to the CE STS Bases for B 3.1.3 (Analog) and B 3.1.3 
(Digital) Background section is removing an incorrect statement in the 
CE STS that was identified during the staff's review associated with 
Reference 1. The TSTF has agreed to remove the sentence as part of 
TSTF-486 Revision 2. Therefore, this change is acceptable.
    The modification of the first paragraph in the CE STS Bases for B 
3.1.3 (Analog) and B 3.1.3 (Digital) LCO section is intended to 
identify the location of the upper and lower MTC limits. This change is 
consistent with the proposed changes to CE STS described above and 
therefore acceptable.
    The addition of a new second paragraph in the CE STS Bases for B 
3.1.3 (Analog) and B 3.1.3 (Digital) LCO section is intended to 
describe the purpose of the limits and reinforce that the upper MTC 
limit in the COLR must be bounded by that in the TS. This change is 
consistent with the proposed changes to CE STS described above and 
therefore acceptable.
    The modification to the current second paragraph in the LCO section 
adds a discussion of how MTC may be controlled using CEA position and 
boron concentration. While staff acknowledges that the combination of 
CEA position and boron concentration can be used to control MTC, the 
staff believes it is an incomplete discussion that ignores the effects 
of temperature, pressure, and power level. However, there is no 
intention that the STS Basis become a tutorial. Therefore, while the 
discussion is incomplete it is not detrimental to safety and the change 
is acceptable.
    The Reviewer's Note added to the Surveillance Requirements section 
describes the restrictions on the use of the Alternate MTC 
surveillance. The Reviewer's Note is consistent with WCAP-16011-P-A and 
therefore acceptable.
    The current first paragraph of the Surveillance Requirements 
section is being modified by breaking it into three paragraphs.
    [squ] The new first paragraph consists of the first and second 
sentences and precedes the Reviewer Note, the text is otherwise 
unchanged. This is an editorial change and acceptable.
    [squ] The new second paragraph is the third sentence of the current 
first paragraph, the text is otherwise unchanged. Making the sentence a 
separate paragraph is an editorial change and acceptable.
    [squ] The new third paragraph is the remainder of the current first 
paragraph; it is modified to state the MTC verification must occur 
within seven (7) effective full power days of reaching 40 effective 
full power days and that the MTC limits are in the COLR. These changes 
are editorial and acceptable.
    Moving the existing second paragraph of the Surveillance 
Requirements section to become the fourth paragraph and modifying it to 
state the end of cycle MTC limit is specified in the COLR are editorial 
changes. These changes are acceptable.
    Adding WCAP-16011-P-A, in brackets, to the References section is 
appropriate. The brackets indicate WCAP-16011-P-A is an optional 
reference. It would only be included on plants that have implemented 
the Alternate MTC surveillance. This change is acceptable.

3.1 Summary

    TSTF-486 would provide standardized wording in the CE STS for 
plants implementing the WCAP-16011-P-A alternate MTC verification at 
startup. The changes to NUREG-1432 proposed by TSTF-486 have been 
reviewed for consistency with the current NUREG-1432 and WCAP-16011-P-
A. The proposed changes have been found to be consistent with NUREG-
1432 and WCAP-16011-P-A, therefore the proposed changes are acceptable.

4.0 State Consultation

    In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the [ ] State 
official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment. The 
State official had [(1) No comments or (2) the following comments--with 
subsequent disposition by the staff].

5.0 Environmental Consideration

    The amendments change a requirement with respect to the 
installation or use of a facility component located within the 
restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20 and change surveillance 
requirements. [For licensees adding a TS Bases Control Program: The 
amendment also changes record keeping, reporting, or administrative 
procedures or requirements.] The NRC staff has determined that the 
amendments involve no significant increase in the amounts and no 
significant change in the types of any effluents that may be released 
offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or 
cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has 
previously issued a proposed finding that the amendments involve no 
significant hazards considerations, and there has been no public 
comment on the finding [FR ]. Accordingly, the amendments meet the 
eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 
51.22(c)(9) [and (c)(10)]. Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no 
environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be 
prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendments.

6.0 Conclusion

    The Commission has concluded, on the basis of the considerations 
discussed above, that (1) There is reasonable assurance that the health 
and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the 
proposed manner, (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance 
with the Commission's regulations, and (3) the issuance of the 
amendments will not be inimical to the

[[Page 51263]]

common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

7.0 References

    1. Letter from the Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF), a 
joint owners group activity, re: ``TSTF-486, ``Revise MTC Surveillance 
for Startup Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program (WCAP-16011),'' 
``dated June 3, 2005. (ADAMS ML051580191).
    2. Letter from the Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF), a 
joint owners group activity, re: ``Response to NRC Request for 
Additional Information Regarding TSTF-486, Revision 0, ``Revise MTC 
Surveillance for Startup Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program (WCAP-
16011),'' and Submittal of Revision 1,'' dated February 20, 2007. 
(ADAMS ML070510667)
    3. Letter from the Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF), a 
joint owners group activity, re: ``TSTF-486, Revision 2, ``Revise MTC 
Surveillance for Startup Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program (WCAP-
16011),'' dated March 10, 2007. (ADAMS ML071300267).
    4. NUREG 1432, ``Standard Technical Specifications Combustion 
Engineering Plants,'' Revision 3.1. (ADAMS ML062510040 and 
ML062510042).
    5. WCAP-16011-P-A, ``Startup Test Activity Reduction Program,'' 
dated February 2005. (ADAMS ML050660127).
    The following example of an application was prepared by the NRC 
staff to facilitate use of the Consolidated Line Item Improvement 
Process (CLIIP). The model provides the expected level of detail and 
content for an application to revise technical specifications regarding 
moderator temperature coefficient surveillance for Startup Test 
Activity Reduction (STAR) program using CLIIP. Licensees remain 
responsible for ensuring that their actual application fulfills their 
administrative requirements as well as Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
regulations.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Document Control Desk,
Washington, DC 20555.
SUBJECT: PLANT NAME
    DOCKET NO. 50-APPLICATION FOR TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION CHANGE 
REGARDING MODERATOR TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT (MTC) SURVEILLANCE FOR 
STARTUP TEST ACTIVITY REDUCTION (STAR) PROGRAM USING THE 
CONSOLIDATED LINE ITEM IMPROVEMENT PROCESS
    Gentleman: In accordance with the provisions of 10 CFR 50.90 
[LICENSEE] is submitting a request for an amendment to the technical 
specifications (TS) for [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.].
    The proposed amendment would modify TS requirements for 
moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) surveillance requirements 
(SR) associated with implementation of WCAP-16011-P-A, ``Startup 
Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program.''
    Attachment 1 provides a description of the proposed change, the 
requested confirmation of applicability, and plant-specific 
verifications. Attachment 2 provides the existing TS pages marked up 
to show the proposed change. Attachment 3 provides revised (clean) 
TS pages. Attachment 4 provides a summary of the regulatory 
commitments made in this submittal. Attachment 5 provides the 
proposed changes to Technical Specification Bases pages.
    [LICENSEE] requests approval of the proposed License Amendment 
by [DATE], with the amendment being implemented [BY DATE OR WITHIN X 
DAYS].
    In accordance with 10 CFR 50.91, a copy of this application, 
with attachments, is being provided to the designated [STATE] 
Official.
    I declare [or clarify, verify, state] under penalty of perjury 
that the foregoing is true and correct. (Note that request may be 
notarized in lieu of using this oath or affirmation statement).
    If you should have any questions regarding this submittal, 
please contact [NAME, TELEPHONE NUMBER]
    Sincerely,

[Name, Title]
Attachments:
    1. Description and Assessment
    2. Proposed Technical Specification Changes
    3. Revised Technical Specification Pages
    4. Regulatory Commitments
    5. Proposed Technical Specification Bases Changes

    cc: NRC Project Manager; NRC Regional Office; NRC Resident 
Inspector; State Contact.

ATTACHMENT 1--Description and Assessment

1.0 Description

    The proposed amendment would modify TS requirements for 
moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) surveillance requirements 
(SR) associated with implementation of WCAP-16011-P-A, ``Startup 
Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program.''
    The changes are consistent with Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
(NRC) approved Industry/Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF) 
STS change TSTF-486 Revision 2. The Federal Register notice 
published on [DATE] announced the availability of this TS 
improvement through the consolidated line item improvement process 
(CLIIP).

2.0 Assessment

2.1 Applicability of Published Safety Evaluation

    [LICENSEE] has reviewed the safety evaluation dated [DATE] as 
part of the CLIIP. This review included a review of the NRC staff's 
evaluation, as well as the supporting information provided to 
support TSTF-486 Revision 2. [LICENSEE] has concluded that the 
justifications presented in the TSTF proposal and the safety 
evaluation prepared by the NRC staff are applicable to [PLANT, UNIT 
NOS.] and justify this amendment for the incorporation of the 
changes to the [PLANT] TS.

2.2 Optional Changes and Variations

    [LICENSEE] is not proposing any variations or deviations from 
the TS changes described in the modified TSTF-486 Revision 2 and the 
NRC staff's model safety evaluation dated [DATE].

3.0 Regulatory Analysis

3.1 No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination [LICENSEE] has 
reviewed the proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination (NSHCD) published in the Federal Register as part of the 
CLIIP. [LICENSEE] has concluded that the proposed NSHCD presented in 
the Federal Register notice is applicable to [PLANT] and is hereby 
incorporated by reference to satisfy the requirements of 10 CFR 
50.91(a).

3.2 Verification and Commitments

    As discussed in the notice of availability published in the 
Federal Register on [DATE] for this TS improvement, the [LICENSEE] 
verifies the applicability of TSTF-486 to [PLANT], and commits to 
establishing Technical Specification Bases for TS [3.1.3] as 
proposed in TSTF-486, Revision 2.
    The proposed TSTF-486 change revises SR 3.1.3.1 in the digital 
and analog Combustion Engineering STS (NUREG-1432) by adding a 
second Frequency. This second Frequency requires verifying that MTC 
is within the upper limit each fuel cycle within 7 EFPD after 
reaching 40 EFPD of core burnup, but only when the MTC determined 
prior to entering MODE 1 is verified using predicted MTC as adjusted 
for actual RCS boron concentration. The Frequency is consistent with 
the existing MODE 1 MTC Surveillance Frequency. The Bases are 
revised to describe the new requirements and to clarify the 
analytical basis of the MTC utilizing the suggested changes in WCAP-
16011-P. The Bases modifications clarify the relationship between 
the MTC limits specified in the Core Operating Limits Report (COLR) 
and the maximum positive MTC value specified in the LCO.

4.0 Environmental Evaluation

    [LICENSEE] has reviewed the environmental evaluation included in 
the model safety evaluation dated [DATE] as part of the CLIIP. 
[LICENSEE] has concluded that the staff's findings presented in that 
evaluation are applicable to [PLANT] and the evaluation is hereby 
incorporated by reference for this application.

Attachment 2--Proposed Technical Specification Changes (Mark-Up)

Attachment 3--Proposed Technical Specification Pages

Attachment 4--List of Regulatory Commitments

    The following table identifies those actions committed to by 
[LICENSEE] in this document. Any other statements in this submittal 
are provided for information purposes and are not considered to be

[[Page 51264]]

regulatory commitments. Please direct questions regarding these 
commitments to [CONTACT NAME].

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Regulatory  commitments                  Due date/event
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LICENSEE] will establish Technical         [Complete, implemented with
 Specification Bases for TS [3.1.3]          amendment OR within X days
 consistent with those shown in the          of implementation of
 license amendment.                          amendment].
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment 5--Proposed Changes to Technical Specification Bases Pages

Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination

    Description of Amendment Request: [Plant Name] requests adoption 
of an approved change to the standard technical specifications (STS) 
for Combustion Engineering (CE) Plants (NUREG-1432) and plant 
specific technical specifications (TS), to allow modification of TS 
moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) surveillance requirements 
(SR) associated with implementation of WCAP-16011-P-A, ``Startup 
Test Activity Reduction (STAR) Program,'' dated February 2005.'' The 
changes are consistent with NRC approved Industry/Technical 
Specification Task Force (TSTF) STS Traveler, TSTF-486, Revision 2, 
``Revise MTC Surveillance for Startup Test Activity Reduction (STAR) 
Program (WCAP-16011).'' WCAP-16011-P-A describes methods to reduce 
the time required for startup testing. To this end, WCAP-16011-P-A 
proposes methods to eliminate the control element assembly (CEA) 
worth and isothermal temperature coefficient (ITC) measurements at 
hot zero power (HZP). The measured ITC is then used to calculate the 
HZP MTC. WCAP-16011-P-A includes a method to substitute the measured 
verification of MTC at HZP with an alternate MTC verification 
consisting of the predicted (calculated) MTC and measured critical 
boron concentration (CBC) at HZP. When this alternate MTC 
verification is utilized, WCAP-16011-P-A adds the requirement for 
the early in cycle MTC measurement to verify MTC is not more 
negative than allowed is also used to verify MTC is not more 
positive than allowed. WCAP-16011-P-A adds an ITC measurement at 
intermediate to hot full power (HFP) and applicability requirements 
for core design, fabrication, refueling, startup testing, and CEA 
lifetime viability requirements. WCAP-16011-P-A methods can only be 
applied to cores that are well characterized by an existing 
database.
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), an analysis of the 
issue of no significant hazards consideration is presented below:
    Criterion 1--The Proposed Change Does Not Involve a Significant 
Increase in the Probability or Consequences of an Accident 
Previously Evaluated
    The proposed change generically implements MTC SR changes 
associated with implementation of WCAP-16011-P-A, STAR Program. 
WCAP-16011-P-A describes methods to reduce the time required for 
startup testing. The consequences of an accident after adopting 
TSTF-486 are no different than the consequences of an accident prior 
to adoption. Therefore, this change does not involve a significant 
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident 
previously evaluated.
    Criterion 2--The Proposed Change Does Not Create the Possibility 
of a New or Different Kind of Accident from any Accident Previously 
Evaluated
    The proposed change does not involve a physical alteration of 
the plant (no new or different type of equipment will be installed) 
or a change in the methods governing normal plant operation. The 
proposed change will not introduce new failure modes or effects and 
will not, in the absence of other unrelated failures, lead to an 
accident whose consequences exceed the consequences of accidents 
previously analyzed. Thus, this change does not create the 
possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident 
previously evaluated.
    Criterion 3--The Proposed Change Does Not Involve a Significant 
Reduction in the Margin of Safety
    TSTF-486 provides the means and standardized wording for CE STS 
plants implementing the previously approved WCAP-16011-P-A alternate 
MTC verification at startup. MTC is a parameter controlled in the 
licensee's TS, including surveillance requirements. As stated 
previously WCAP-16011-P-A describes methods to reduce the time 
required for startup testing. The changes to NUREG-1432 proposed by 
TSTF-486 have been reviewed for and found to be consistent with the 
current NUREG-1432 and WCAP-16011-P-A, and therefore the proposed 
changes are acceptable and do not involve a significant reduction in 
a margin of safety.
    Based upon the reasoning presented above and the previous 
discussion of the amendment request, the requested change does not 
involve a significant hazards consideration.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 29th day of August, 2007.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Timothy J. Kobetz,
Section Chief, Technical Specifications Branch, Division of Inspection 
& Regional Support, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
 [FR Doc. E7-17601 Filed 9-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P