ML030280032
| ML030280032 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Millstone, Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 01/22/2003 |
| From: | Clinton H US SEN (Senate) |
| To: | Meserve R NRC/Chairman |
| References | |
| FOIA/PA-2006-0299, FOIA/PA-2007-0014, FOIA/PA-2007-0093, FOIA/PA-2008-0157, FOIA/PA-2008-0174, G20030034, LTR-03-0035 | |
| Download: ML030280032 (2) | |
Text
EDO Principal Correspondence Control FROM:
DUE: 01/30/03 Sen. Hiliary Rodham Clinton EDO CONTROL: G20030034 DOC DT: 01/22/03 FINAL REPLY:
Chairman Meserve FOR SIGNATURE OF :
Request the Commission Review the Draft Report by Witt Associates Regarding Emergency Preparedness for the Areas of New York State Around the Indian Point and Millstone Nuclear Power Plants DATE: 01/24/03 ASSIGNED TO:
NRR CONTACT:
Travers Paperiello Kane Norry Craig Burns/Cyr Zimmerman, NSIR Miller, RI Collins SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR REMARKS:
Coordinate with Region I.
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed: Jan 23, 2003 15:39 I1 PAPER NUMBER:
ACTION OFFICE:
LTR-03-0035 EDO LOGGING DATE: 01/23/2003 AUTHOR:
AFFILIATION:
ADDRESSEE:
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
DISTRIBUTION:
LETTER DATE:
ACKNOWLEDGED SPECIAL HANDLING:
NOTES:
FILE LOCATION:
DATE DUE:
Sen. Hillary Clinton SEN Richard Meserve Request the Comm review the draft report by Witt Associates regarding emergency preparedness for the areas of New York State around the Indian Point and Millstone nucear power plants Signature of Chairman RF, OCA to Ack 01/22/2003 No Commission Correspondence Adams 02/03/2003 DATE SIGNED:
EDO -- G20030034
01/23/2003 16:05 FAX I]002 HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON NEW YORK SENATOR RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDINP SUITE 475 U
S ot WASHINGTON. DC 20510-3204 2J32-224-4451 WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3204 January 22, 2003 The Honorable Richard A. Meserve Chairman UnitedStatls Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555
Dear Mr. Ciairman:
I am writing to request that you thoroughly review the draft report by Witt Associates (attached), which comprehensively reviews emergency preparedness for the areas of New York State arounýl the Indian Point and Millstone nuclear power plants. Many of the recommendations in the report pertain to upgrading federal regulations, and I strongly urge the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to begin making changes immediately. If there are recommendations for regulatory changes contained in the report for which the NRC does not believe it currently has the necessary authority, I would like to be made aware as soon as possible bf what additional statutory authority is required.
Unfortunately, the attached, draft report finds that "the current radiological response system and:capabilities are not adequate to overcome their combined weight and protect the people from an unacceptable dose of radiation in the event of a release from Indian Point." As a result, the report makes a number of recommendations, including:
0 Higher, federal-level requirements for plants adjacent to high population areas that take into i account that protective actions are more difficult and the consequences of failure or dela!y are higher in these areas;
"* Terrorism annexes or components added to the emergency preparedness plans;
"* Plails reflecting significant, spontaneous evacuations within and beyond the ten-mile zone; and
"* Performance, outcome-based exercises that include a number of realistic accident scenarios and broader participation by the surrounding communities.
As a result of the Witt report's findings, I have decided to join Assemblyman Richard Brodsky and others in petitioning the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pursuant to 44 CFR 350.13 to withdraw its approval of the Indian Point radiological emergency preparedness plan. I have written to FEMA and requested that the Agency respond to the petition, which was submitted last June.
In addition, earlier this month, Ijoined Senator Reid in reintroducing the Nuclear Security Act. We will be working with our colleagues on a tri-partisan basis to ensure that legislation is passed this Congress requiring regulatory changes that ensure the safety and security of communities around nuclear power plants. I therefore strongly urge the NRC to
Page 2 begin taking actions accordingly, based on the recommendations contained in the Witt report. In addition, I request that the NRC proactively work with Entergy, the State of New York, and relevant local governments to help make improvements to emergency preparedness around Indian Point as soon as possible.
Thank you for your consideration of this most important matter. I look forward to receiving your response, particularly with respect to needs for additional statutory authority, no later than F~bruary 5, 2003.
Sincerely yours, Hiliary RodI Clinton
% : 01/23/2003 16:05 FAX oo003