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Environmental Impact Statement - radioactive monticello

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<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong>s of Operation<br />

hazard if the transmission lines that were constructed for the specific purpose of connecting the<br />

plant to the transmission system do not meet the recommendations of the NESC for preventing<br />

electric shock from induced currents.<br />

Two 345-kV transmission lines (Monticello to Coon Creek and Monticello to Parkers Lake<br />

circuits) were originally constructed to connect Monticello to the transmission system. However,<br />

changes to the 345-kV transmission system and to these lines have fully integrated Monticello<br />

Substation into the 345-kV transmission system. Based on these considerations, Monticello<br />

Substation now constitutes the transmission interconnection for Monticello.<br />

All lines emanating from Monticello Substation were designed, constructed, and are operated in<br />

compliance with the applicable sections of the NESC, including the most recent edition. These<br />

lines meet the requirements in effect since the 1990 edition of the Code for lines exceeding<br />

98 kV alternating current to ground, which limits "the steady state current due to electrostatic<br />

effects to 5 mA if the largest anticipated truck, vehicle or equipment under the line were<br />

short-circuited to ground." This current is induced in vehicles by the transmission line electric<br />

field and is proportional to the voltage of the line and inversely proportional to the distance from<br />

the line. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has performed measurements on<br />

objects beneath lines to determine the level of electric field that will induce current in various<br />

objects. Results indicate that an electric field of 7.8 kV per meter at 1 meter above ground is<br />

required to induce a 5 mA current through a large tractor-trailer (EPRI 1987).<br />

The 345-kV lines associated with Monticello Substation produce a maximum electric field at<br />

1 meter above ground of 6.0 kV per meter. The unloaded sag at 120°F is limited by the NESC<br />

to a minimum distance to ground of 30 ft in order to meet the minimum clearance required for<br />

operation at 212'F, the highest operating temperature. For a large vehicle, the electric field<br />

values indicated above could potentially generate an induced current of 3.84 mA, which is<br />

below the NESC code criteria of 5 mA (NMC 2005a).<br />

Transmission line compliance with the provisions of the NESC code discussed above is verified<br />

by periodic air patrols (monthly), which monitor construction activities beneath and near the<br />

lines that could alter corridor terrain and clearances. Based on these considerations, NMC<br />

concluded that the Monticello 345-kV transmission lines meet the NESC recommendations for<br />

preventing shock from induced currents and further assessment of the impact of the proposed<br />

action on the potential shock hazard is not required (NMC 2005a). NMC's assessment under<br />

10 CFR Part 51 concludes that electric shock is of small significance for Monticello transmission<br />

lines. Due to the small significance of the issue, mitigation measures, such as the installation of<br />

warning signs at roadway crossings or increasing wire clearance, are not warranted.<br />

The staff has reviewed the available information, including that provided by the applicant, the<br />

staff's site visit, the scoping process, and other public sources. Using this information, the staff<br />

evaluated the potential impacts for electric shock resulting from operation of Monticello and<br />

associated transmission lines. It is the staff's conclusion that the potential impacts for electric<br />

shock during the renewal term are SMALL.<br />

NUREG-1437, Supplement 26 4-26 August 2006 1

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