Radioactive Release at North Anna Unit 1 and Lessons Learned (Generic Letter 79-52)
GL79052
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555
(TO ALL OPERATING NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS)
Gentlemen:
SUBJECT: RADIOACTIVE RELEASE AT NORTH ANNA UNIT 1 AND LESSONS LEARNED
Recently an incident occurred at North Anna Unit 1, which resulted in the
release of radioactivity to the Auxiliary Building and then to the
environment. The release path associated with the incident is described in
the enclosure.
By letter dated September 13, 1979, you were asked to meet the requirements
proposed by the NRC staff's TMI-2 Lessons Learned Task Force as documented
in NUREG-0578. Section 2.1.6a of that report requires actions to minimize
the release of radioactivity from systems outside containment. While these
actions are primarily directed towards minimizing leakage from these
systems, the staff has determined that release paths exemplified by the
North Anna Unit 1 incident or similar release paths as identified in IE
Circular 79-21 (to be issued October 19, 1979) should also be considered.
Therefore you are requested to address, in conjunction with your response to
Section 2.1.6a of NUREG-0578, the North Anna Unit 1 incident, as it applies
to your facilities, and any similar release paths revealed by the review of
your facilities. Any modifications deemed necessary as a result of your
review should be identified by January 1, 1980, along with your schedule for
completing these modifications on a priority basis.
Sincerely,
Darrell G. Eisenhut, Acting Director
Division of Operating Reactors
Enclosure:
Radioactivity Release Pathway
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021