Morning Report for February 11, 2005

Headquarters Daily Report

• REGION II

REGION II

Watts Bar Report of Tritium Sample

Licensee/Facility: TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY Watts Bar 1, Watts Bar 2 SPRING CITY, Tennessee Dockets: 05000390, 05000391 [1] W-4-LP, [2] W-4-LP License No:

Notification: MR Number: 2-2005-0004 Date: 02/11/2005 Call / Fax from Licensee

Discussion:

This is an update to the 10 CFR 50.72 notification (EN 41400) dated February 10, 2005, regarding the offsite notification due to exceeding the offsite dose calculation manual (ODCM) reporting level for tritium concentration (30,000 picocuries per liter) at Watts Bar. The licensee is currently using a 4-inch temporary piping system as a temporary radwaste line while the permanent radwaste piping is being replaced. Preliminary investigation found a small leak from a coupling in the temporary radwaste line. This leak likely contributed to the elevated tritium level in the onsite well.

The coupling leak in the temporary line has been repaired. Since the repairs were made, tritium levels in the affected monitoring well have decreased. Licensee personnel continue to sample nearby monitoring wells to determine the extent of the tritium and to search for other potential sources of leakage.

Regional Action: The resident inspectors observed the temporary line repairs and continue to monitor the licensee's actions and investigation of the event. The resident inspectors, with assistance from Region II Radiological Protection Inspectors, have been closely monitoring the licensee's actions to monitor groundwater. These licensee actions were taken due to previous problems that caused the licensee to initiate replacement of the permanent underground radwaste piping. Region II plans to continue to inspect the licensee's activities and corrective actions.

Accession Numbers:

Accession No	Accession Date
ML050420302	02/11/2005

Contacts:

Name	Office Abbrev	Phone No	E-Mail
CAHILL, STEPHEN J	R2	(404) 562-4520	SJC2@nrc.gov