IR 05000201/2014001

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Monitoring Visit Report No. 05000201-14-001, on 10/21/13 - 01/07/15, West Valley Demonstration Project, West Valley, Ny

ML15035A618
Person / Time
Site:	West Valley Demonstration Project, P00M-032
Issue date:	02/04/2015
From:	Ferdas M S Division of Nuclear Materials Safety I
To:	Bower B C US Dept of Energy, West Valley Demonstration Project
References
IR 05000201/2014001
Download: ML15035A618 (10)

Text

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION I 2100 RENAISSANCE BLVD., SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406-2713 February 4, 2015

Docket No. 05000201License No. LSF-1 Bryan Director West Valley Demonstration Project U. S. Department of Energy 10282 Rock Springs Road West Valley, NY 14171

SUBJECT: U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION MONITORING VISIT REPORT NO. 05000201/2014001, WEST VALLEY DEMO NSTRATION PROJECT, WEST VALLEY, NEW YORK

Dear Mr. Bower:

On October 21-22, 2013, March 18, August 27-28, November 5 and November 17-19, 2014, the NRC conducted a series of monitoring visits at the U.S. Department of Energy's West Valley Demonstration Project site to review ongoing decommissioning activities. The monitoring visits consisted of observations by the NRC representatives, interviews with personnel, and an examination of representative records. The results of the monitoring visits were discussed with Craig Rieman on January 7, 2015, and are provided in the enclosed report. No public health and safety issues were identified.

No reply to this letter is required. Please contact Mark Roberts at (610) 337-5094 if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Sincerely,/RA/ Marc S. Ferdas, Chief Decommissioning and Technical

Support Branch Division of Nuclear Materials Safety

Enclosure:

Report No. 05000201/2014001

cc w/enclosure: Craig Rieman, Deputy Director Christopher Eckert, Safety and Site Programs Team Leader John Rendall, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs Paul Bembia, Program Director February 4, 2015 Docket No. 05000201License No. LSF-1 Bryan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) NRC Monitoring Visit Report No. 2014001

A series of routine, announced monitoring visits were conducted on October 21-22, 2013,

March 18, August 27-28, November 5 and November 17-19, 2014, by United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff at the DOE WVDP site in West Valley, New York. NRC staff participated in DOE quarterly public meetings on February 26, May 28, and August 27, 2014. NRC staff also participated in WVDP Regulatory Roundtable Meeting on March 28, 2014.

The program for conducting NRC monitoring visits at the WVDP is described in Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0111, "Region I Monitoring Activities for the DOE West Valley Demonstration Project." The monitoring visits included a review of programs and activities associated with the WVDP site decommissioning project. The monitoring visits consisted of interviews with DOE, DOE contractor, and New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) personnel; a review of documents; tours of the facility; and observations of in-progress work activities. Based on the results of these activities, no public health and safety issues were identified.

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REPORT DETAILS

1.0 Introduction In accordance with the WVDP Act of 1980 and as implemented by a Memorandum of Understanding between the DOE and the NRC, a series of routine, announced monitoring visits were conducted on October 21-22, 2013, March 18, August 27-28, November 5 and November 17-19, 2014, by NRC staff at the DOE WVDP site in West Valley, New York. NRC staff participated in DOE quarterly meetings on February 26, May 28, and August 27, 2014. The NRC also participated in WVDP Regulatory Roundtable Meeting on March 28, 2014. The program for conducting NRC monitoring visits at the WVDP is described in IMC 0111. The monitoring visits included a review of programs and activities associated with the WVDP site decommissioning project.

2.0 High Level Waste Relocation Storage Project

a. Inspection Scope

The NRC reviewed DOE's plans for the relocation of the vitrified High Level Waste (HLW) canisters at the WVDP site. The monitoring visits consisted of interviews with DOE and DOE contractor personnel; a review of documents; tours of the facility; a walk

down of the haul path between the Main Plant Processing Building (MPPB) and the HLW cask storage pad; and observation of in-progress work activities associated with the construction of the HLW cask storage pad.

b. Observations and Findings

The NRC verified that the 275 stainless stee l canisters of vitrified HLW were being adequately controlled in the chemical process cell in the MPPB. Relocation of the canisters is necessary in order to proceed with demolition preparations for the MPPB. The HLW canisters are to be relocated to a concrete pad at the south end of the site.

The HLW canisters are to be placed in specially designed and fabricated multi-purpose storage and transportation canisters (MPCs) and stored in shielded casks on the concrete pad. NAC International has been selected as the sub-contractor for this project. Relocation of the HLW canisters is expected to be conducted from approximately 2015 - 2017.

Five HLW canisters will be remotely loaded into specially fabricated MPCs and the MPC lids welded shut. A total of 55 MPCs will be required for the HLW canisters and two additional MPCs required for miscellaneous debris and material associated with the HLW vitrification process. Each of the MPCs will be located inside a concrete and steel vertical storage cask (unloaded weight approximately 133,500 pounds). Special transporters will be used for movement of the storage casks within the building and for transport to the HLW storage pad. The initial 16 vertical storage casks have been fabricated in a specially prepared area on site.

Construction work has been completed on the HLW storage pad, the approach apron, and the crane pad. The HLW storage pad area was excavated to a depth of up to 12 feet and a compacted engineered backfill material was then placed prior to placement 4 of the concrete. The 3-foot thick reinforced concrete pad has dimensions of 144 feet by 110 feet. During pad excavation activities, sub-surface contamination was identified in one corner of the excavation. DOE documented the anomaly prior to proceeding with the HLW pad installation.

On October 21-22, 2013, the NRC staff conducted a review of DOE's contractor fabrication activities associated with the construction of the main HLW storage pad. The inspectors walked down the construction area; examined the rebar installation; and verified that the rebar size, spacing, splice length, and concrete coverage on the top, side, and bottom complied with installation specifications. The inspectors also evaluated the concrete formwork installation for depth, straightness, and horizontal bracing and verified the overall dimensions and orientation for compliance with installation specifications. The inspectors interviewed DOE and contract personnel to verify knowledge of the planned work and appropriate oversight of the construction activities.

During the placement of the concrete, NRC staff reviewed the concrete truck batch

tickets to verify that the concrete delivered to the site met code and specification requirements. NRC staff observed concrete placement, vibration, and finishing for the first of the two pad sections, and observed tests for concrete slump and air content, temperature measurements, and the collection and preparation of cylinder samples for compression tests to verify that the work was implemented according to specifications and referenced industry codes and standards.

c. Conclusions

No public health and safety issues were identified. The HLW canisters are appropriately being controlled within the MPPB. DOE is planning for the relocation of the canisters to an onsite interim storage facility and has completed construction of the storage pad for the shielded storage casks.

3.0 North Plateau Permeable Treatment Wall

a. Inspection Scope

The NRC reviewed the performance of the Permeable Treatment Wall (PTW) installed on the WVDP north plateau for mitigation of the previously documented strontium-90 (Sr-90) groundwater plume. The monitoring visits consisted of interviews with DOE and DOE contractor personnel, a review of documents, and tours of the facility.

b. Observations and Findings

The NRC reviewed information in the 2013 PTW Annual Monitoring Report, which summarizes the performance and condition of the PTW through the first two years following installation. The report includes summaries of the Sr-90 concentrations in ground water monitoring well samples in the 66 specific PTW wells installed up gradient, in, and down gradient of the PTW, and the network of existing wells in the PTW vicinity.

The report indicates that the performance of the PTW is meeting the established Remedial Action Objectives and functional requirements. These key objectives and requirements include: a reduction in the down gradient Sr-90 concentrations (compared to up gradient concentrations) from the PTW; minimizing expansion of the contaminated 5 groundwater plume; and no substantial diversion or alteration in groundwater flow. The NRC determined that the PTW continues to be removing Sr-90 from the plume as evidenced by the very low or non-detectable concentrations of Sr-90 in monitoring well samples within the wall. Concentrations of Sr-90 in monitoring well samples immediately down gradient of the PTW were generally lower than the corresponding up gradient wells. This reduction is also evident in wells within the existing network of wells down gradient side of the PTW. The groundwater flow patterns have remained consistent with conditions prior to PTW installation. There does not appear to be any expansion of the plume except for areas that were already on the down gradient side of the PTW. Visual inspections of the PTW have not identified any substantial changes to the PTW system.

c. Conclusions

No public health and safety issues were identified. Review of the latest PTW Annual Monitoring Report indicates that the performance of the PTW is meeting the established

Remedial Action Objectives and functional requirements.

4.0 Annual Site Environmental Report

a. Inspection Scope

The NRC reviewed WVDP's 2013 Annual Site Environmental Report (ASER) and discussed the report with DOE and DOE contractor personnel.

b. Observations and Findings

The radiological environmental monitoring program at the WVDP focuses on measuring radioactivity from site activities in air, surface water, groundwater, food products, soil, and sediment. Direct radiation is also measured through a network of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) on the site and around the site perimeter. The monitoring program provides information about the environmental conditions at the site and is intended to verify that public health and safety and the environment are protected.

The most recent ASER for the WVDP documents the calendar year 2013 environmental monitoring program data. Air and surface water pathways are the primary means by which radioactive material could move off site. The WVDP's on- and off-site monitoring program includes measuring the concentration of alpha and beta radioactivity in air and water effluents as well as specific radionuclide measurements in all environmental

media.

Relevant radiological dose limits for the WVDP include U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulations for air emissions and DOE limits regarding all exposure modes from DOE activities. Radiological air emissions (other than radon) from DOE facilities are regulated by USEPA under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: NESHAP regulation (40 CFR 61, Subpart H), which establishes a standard of 10 mrem/year effective dose equivalent to any member of the public. DOE Order 458.1 sets the DOE primary standard of 100 mrem/year effective dose equivalent to members of the public considering all exposure modes from DOE activities. For 2013, information in the ASER indicates that the estimated dose to a member of the public was less than 0.1 millirem/year from all WVDP sources. The results from direct radiation 6 measurements from perimeter TLD locations were not significantly different compared to background levels. The ASER continues to document elevated Sr-90 concentrations in groundwater and groundwater surface seeps from the area north of the PTW.

c. Conclusions

No offsite public health and safety issues were identified. DOE conducted the environmental monitoring program for the site in accordance with programmatic requirements. Calculated doses from radiological air and liquid effluents were less than one percent of EPA or DOE limits. Elevated Sr-90 concentrations continue to be identified onsite in the north plateau Sr-90 plume beyond the PTW.

5.0 Regulatory Roundtable and DOE WVDP Quarterly Public Meetings

WVDP Regulatory Roundtable Meeting

NRC Region I representatives participated in the WVDP Regulatory Roundtable on March 18, 2014. The WVDP Regulatory Roundtable Meeting included representatives from the NRC's Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs, the EPA (Region II), NYSERDA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, DOE, and DOE WVDP contractors. The purpose of the meetings was to gain an understanding of current and future work activities and to foster dialogue among the participants regarding the regulatory requirements of the project. Items discussed during this meeting included the HLW canister relocation and storage project, waste tank farm status, PTW performance, waste processing and shipping operations, environmental and regulatory programs status, DOE budget, balance of facility demolition and decommissioning activities, and NYSERDA-directed activities.

DOE WVDP Quarterly Public Meetings

NRC staff participated in DOE quarterly public meetings regarding the WVDP site on February 26, May 28, and August 27, 2014. The staff attended the February 26 and May 28 meetings via telephone conference and webinar and attended the August 27, 2014, in person, as part of a scheduled monitoring visit. During the public meetings, DOE, DOE contractor, and NYSERDA representatives provided updates on the progress of various project milestones. During the May 28, 2014 meeting, staff from the NRC's Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs (now the Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards) made presentations on the NRC's License Termination Rule and on the Commission's Policy Statement on the WVDP and answered questions from attendees.

6.0

Exit Meeting Summary

On January 7, 2015, the NRC Region I representative discussed the monitoring visit results with Craig Rieman, DOE Deputy Project Director. Mr. Rieman acknowledged the monitoring visit results.

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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED

Department of Energy

C. Bohan, Project Manager

B. Bower, Project Director

C. Eckert, Safety and Site Programs Team Leader

J. Prowst, DOE Health Physics Support Contractor

C. Rieman, Deputy Project Director

D. Stachelski, Jr., Industrial Hygienist

D. Sullivan, Project Manager

NYSERDA

P. Bembia, Program Director

A. Mellon, Project Manager

CH2MHILL-B&W West Valley, LLC and Contractors

C. Biedermann, Senior Consulting Engineer

T. Dogal, Manager, Facilities Disposition

H. Dukes, Nuclear Operations Manager

J. Ebert, High Level Waste Project Manager

J. Rendall, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

PARTIAL LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED

Monthly WVDP Project Performance Reports (various)

Weekly WVDP Project Status Reports (various)

Permeable Treatment Wall Annual Monito

ring Report - 2014, Rev. 1, July 2014 WVDP Annual Site Environmental Report Calendar Year 2013; September 2014

Presentations from the March 17, 2014, Regulatory Roundtable Meeting, Ashford, New York

WVDP Radiological Controls Manual, WVDP-010, Rev. 35, 8/14/13 WVDP 2014 Radiation Work Permits (various)

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED

ASER Annual Site Environmental Report DOE Department of Energy

HLW High Level Waste

IMC Inspection Manual Chapter

MPC Multi-Purpose Canister

MPPB Main Plant Processing Building NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission NYSERDA New York State Energy Research and Development Authority PTW Permeable Treatment Wall

Sr-90 Strontium-90

TLD Thermoluminescent dosimeter USEPA U. S. Environmental Protection Agency WVDP West Valley Demonstration Project