ML042960386
| ML042960386 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Salem, Hope Creek  |
| Issue date: | 10/14/2004 |
| From: | Biden J, Carper T US SEN (Senate) |
| To: | Diaz N NRC/Chairman |
| Walker T, NRC/RI/DRS, 610-337-5381 | |
| References | |
| CORR-04-0223, FOIA/PA-2007-0093, FOIA/PA-2009-0107, G20040703, LTR-04-0653 | |
| Download: ML042960386 (4) | |
Text
I EDO Principal Correspondence Control FROM:
DUE: 10/29/04 Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Senator Thomas R. Carper EDO CONTROL: G20040703 DOC DT: 10/14/04 FINAL REPLY:
Chairman Diaz FOR SIGNATURE OF :
PRI CRC NO: 04-0653 Chairman Diaz DESC:
ROUTING:
Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station DATE: 10/20/04 Peyes Virgilio Kane Merschoff Norry Dean Kim, OEDO Dyer, NRR Zimmerman,NSIR ASSIGNED TO:
RI CONTACT:
Collins SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR REMARKS:
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed: Oct 19, 2004 14.50 PAPER NUMBER:
ACTION OFFICE:
LTR-04-0653 EDO LOGGING DATE: 10/19/2004 AUTHOR:
AFFILIATION:
ADDRESSEE:
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
DISTRIBUTION:
LETTER DATE:
ACKNOWLEDGED SPECIAL HANDLING:
NOTES:
FILE LOCATION:
DATE DUE:
SEN Joseph Biden Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating station Signature of Chairman RF, OCA to Ack 10/1412004 No Commission Correspondence ADAMS 1 1/02/2004 DATE SIGNED:
EDO -- G20040703
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10/15/04 18:05 FAL 3025736351 US SEN. JOSEPH BIDEN IM002 r(Sniteb Stats Senate Wasjington, B3.QC. 20510 October 14. 2004 The Honorable Nils J. Diaz Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Public Affairs (OPA)
Washington, D.C. 20555 Dear Chairman Diaz We are writing regarding the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating station located on the Delaware River In New Jersey. As you are probably aware, we both have long had a keen interest in the station. Approximately 20,000 Delawareans and 17 Delaware schools are located within 10 miles of the station.
During the 1980's and 1990's. we were particularly concerned with operations at the Salem I and 11 units after a series of serious malfunctions occurred that could potentially have led to catastrophic results. Many of those malfunctions were preventable making the situation even more egregious. Inadequate management practices and worker concern over retaliation for reporting were identified as key contributors leading up to these Incidents.
At the time, we were struck not only by the decision of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) not to fine the operator for some of these incidents, but also by the lack of Importance the NRC seemed to place on these Incidents when they occurred. In 1996, the General Accounting office undertook a study at the request of Senator Biden and concluded that there was an on-going need to Improve NRC's oversight responsibilities In order to improve safety conditions at all of the nation's nuclear power plants, Including Salem and Hope Creek.
We are concerned that Salem and Hope Creek are once again experiencing management and safety culture deficiencies, similar in part to conditions experienced In the 1980s and the 1990s. While we do not yet have a complete report on the non-radioactive steam leak which occurred at the Hope Creek unit on October 10, 2004, It draws attention to the need for vigilant review of our nations nuclear reactors.
Please be aware that we are closely scrutinizing plant operations and strongly urge you to do the same. We understand that the NRC has implemented additional oversight at the station in recent years, and we are hopeful that your increased activity will quickly Improve conditions at the facility.
10/15/2004 04:09PM
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I a a 10/15/04 16:06 FAX 3025738351 US SEN. JOSEPH BIDEN a0003 Thank you for your attention In this matter. We look forward to hearing more from you In the future regarding your actions and oversight related to the Salem and Hlope Creek nuclear generating facility. In addition, we would be Interested In receiving updated Information regarding the latest steam leak at the Hope Creek facility. Please feel free to contact us through our respective staffs at the following offices: Ms. Tonya Baker, Senator Biden's office at (302) 573-6345 and Mr. Jim Reilly, Senator Carpers office at (202) 224-2441.
Sincerely, Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
United States Senator Thomas R.
p United States Senator 10/15/2004 04:O9PM
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