Environmental statements; availability, etc.: Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.,

[Federal Register: March 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 56)]

[Notices]

[Page 14275-14276]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr24mr99-106]

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket Nos. 50-317 and 50-318]

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is considering issuance of an exemption from the requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J, Emergency lighting, to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (the licensee) for operation of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Unit Nos. 1 and 2, located in Calvert County, Maryland.

Environmental Assessment

Identification of the Proposed Action

The proposed exemption would grant relief from the requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J, Emergency lighting, as follows:

[[Page 14276]]

(1) Security lighting, required by 10 CFR 73.55, powered by the diesel generator, would be used for exterior lighting in lieu of 8-hour battery powered emergency lighting units specified by Section III.J;

(2) Portable lights powered by an 8-hour battery supply, for actions in high radiation areas would be used in lieu of 8-hour battery powered emergency lighting units; and

(3) Helmet lanterns would be used inside of switchgear cabinets in lieu of 8-hour battery powered emergency lighting units.

The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's application for exemption dated October 6, 1997, as supplemented by letter dated July 22, 1998.

The Need for the Proposed Action

The exemption is needed to reduce the hardships or costs associated with complying with Appendix R, Section III.J.

Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action

The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed action and concludes that the proposed action will not adversely affect safety.

The proposed action 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 Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Unit Nos. 1 and 2.

Agencies and Persons Consulted

In accordance with its stated policy, on February 10, 1999, the staff consulted with the Maryland State official, Richard J. McLean of the Department of Natural Resources, 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 October 6, 1997, as supplemented by letter dated July 22, 1998, which are 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 Commission's Public Document Room, The Gelman Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC, and at the local public document room located at the Calvert County Library, Prince Frederick, Maryland.

Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 18th day of March 1999.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. S. Singh Bajwa, Director, Project Directorate I-1, Division of Licensing Project Management, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.

[FR Doc. 99-7165Filed3-23-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7590-01-P