ML030160445

G20030007/LTR-03-0012 - Rep. Edward J. Markey Ltr. Deliveries of Hazardous Materials, Including Fresh Nuclear Fuel Rods to Hope Creek Nuclear Power Plant

ML030160445
Person / Time
Site:	Hope Creek
Issue date:	01/09/2003
From:	Markey E US HR (House of Representatives)
To:	Meserve R NRC/Chairman
References
G20030007, LTR-03-0012, TAC MB7211
Download: ML030160445 (3)

Text

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed:Jan 09, 2003 15:27 PAPER NUMBER: LTR-03-0012 LOGGING DATE: 01/09/2003 ACTION OFFICE: EDO AUTHOR: Edward Markey REP AFFILIATION:

Richard Meserve ADDRESSEE:

SUBJECT:

Request information regarding deliveries of hazardous materials, including fresh nuclear fuel rods, to the Hope Creek nuclear power plant ACTION: Signature of Chairman DISTRIBUTION: RF, OCA to Ack LETTER DATE: 01/09/2003 ACKNOWLEDGED No SPECIAL HANDLING: Response requested NLT 1/24/2003 NOTES: Commission Correspondence FILE LOCATION: Adams DATE DUE: 01/21/2003 DATE SIGNED:

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- - - J - - L EDWARD J. MARKEY' 2108 RAYBURN BUILDING 7TH4DISTRICT,MASSACHUSETTS WASHINGTON, DC 20515-2107 (2021 225-2836 www house govlmarkey DISTRICT OFFICES ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE o. t RANKING MEMBER n5 HIGH STREET, SUITE 101 SUBCOMMITTEE ON MEDFORD. MA 02155 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND (781) 396-2900 THE INTERNET A~~lma of ýRpratatEiboU 188 CONCORD STREET.SUITE 102 RESOURCES COMMITTEE FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702 JanuaryX9,20515-2107 Wagl.initan, (508) 875-2900 2003 The Honorable Richard A. Meserve Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Mr. Chairman:

I am writing to request information regarding deliveries of hazardous materials, including fresh nuclear fuel rods, to the Hope Creek nuclear power plant in New Jersey. I have learned from employees at the facility that some transports are occurring without armed escorts, and that this may be in contravention of NRC regulations.

I have been informed that the Hope Creek reactor is currently receiving a shipment of new fuel rods. As these rods are being delivered, the delivery vehicle that carries them is hooked up to another vehicle, which then brings the shipment into the refueling facility.

No armed escorts are reportedly accompanying the shipment.

I am concerned that this report, if true, is indicative of a major security lapse at the Hope Creek reactor, since it would cause the fuel rods to be at higher risk of being diverted by terrorists and used as a radiological weapon - perhaps with the insider assistance of the individual driving either the delivery vehicle or the facility vehicle that is used to complete the delivery. Consequently, I ask for your assistance in answering the following questions:

1) What is NRC policy concerning deliveries of hazardous materials, including new fuel rods, within nuclear power plants? Are armed escorts required to accompany such shipments? If not, why not?

2) Did PSEG Nuclear, the licensee of the Hope Creek nuclear power plant, allow one or more shipments of new fuel rods to be delivered without armed escorts accompanying it?

3) If such a shipment did occur, was PSEG Nuclear in violation of NRC regulations? If so, what penalties will be imposed?

4) What steps is NRC taking to ensure that PSEG Nuclear as well as other nuclear reactor licensees understand and comply with NRC regulations surrounding deliveries of hazardous materials?

Thank you very much for your prompt attention to this important matter. Please provide your response no later than Friday January 24, 2003. Ifyou have a.ny questions or concerns, please have your staff contact Dr. Michal Freedhoff of my staff at 202-225-2836.

Sincerely, Edward J. Markey PRINTEDON RECYCLEDPAPER