Federal Register: July 13, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 133)NoticesPage 37819From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr13jy99-125

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Docket No. 50-397Washington Public Power Supply System, Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 2; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is considering issuance of an amendment to Facility Operating License No. NPF-21, issued to the Washington Public Power Supply System (the licensee), for operation of the WPPSS Nuclear Project No.2 (WNP-2), located in Benton County, Washington.

Environmental Assessment

Identification of the Proposed Action

The proposed action would revise Facility Operating License No. NPF-21 to reflect the change in the licensee's name from the Washington Public Power Supply System to Energy Northwest. In addition, the facility, WPPSS Nuclear Project No. 2, will now be referred to as WNP- 2.

The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's application for amendment dated June 3, 1999.

The Need for the Proposed Action

The proposed action is required to change the operating license to accurately reflect the new name of the licensee.

Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action

The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed action and concludes, that the name change is administrative in nature and will not affect the operation of WNP-2.

The proposed amendment will not increase the probability or consequences of accidents, no changes are being made in the types of any effluents that may be released off site, and there is no significant increase in occupational or public radiation exposure. Therefore, there are no significant radiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed action.

With regard to potential non-radiological impacts, the proposed action does not involve any historic sites. It does not affect non- radiological plant effluents and has no other environmental impact. Therefore, there are no significant non-radiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed action.

Accordingly, the Commission concludes that there are no significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed action.

Alternatives to the Proposed Action

As an alternative to the proposed action, the staff considered denial of the proposed action (i.e., the ``no-action'' alternative). Denial of the application would result in no change in current environmental impacts. The environmental impacts of the proposed action and the alternative action are similar.

Alternative Use of Resources

This action does not involve the use of any resources not previously considered in the Final Environmental Statement for the Washington Public Power System Nuclear Project No.2 dated December 1981.

Agencies and Persons Consulted

In accordance with its stated policy, on June 16, 1999, the staff consulted with the Washington State official, Mr. Crowley of the Department of Health, State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, regarding the environmental impact of the proposed action. The State official had no comments.

Finding of No Significant Impact

On the basis of the environmental assessment, the Commission concludes that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment. Accordingly, the Commission has determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the proposed action.

For further details with respect to the proposed action, see the licensee's letter dated June 3, 1999, which is available for public inspection at the Commission's Public Document Room, The Gelman Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC, and at the local public document room located at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Street, Richland, Washington 99352.

Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 6th day of July 1999.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Jack Cushing, Project Manager, Section 2, Project Directorate IV & Decommissioning, Division of Licensing Project Management, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.

FR Doc. 99-17746Filed7-12-99; 8:45 amBILLING CODE 7590-01-P