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