ML050870531
| ML050870531 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Haddam Neck File:Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Co icon.png |
| Issue date: | 03/23/2005 |
| From: | Inslee J US HR (House of Representatives) |
| To: | Diaz N NRC/Chairman |
| Shared Package | |
| ML050910311 | List: |
| References | |
| CORR-05-0064, FOIA/PA-2005-0203, G20050207, LTR-05-0159 | |
| Download: ML050870531 (4) | |
Text
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-I EDO Principal Correspondence Control FROM:
DUE: 04/04/05 EDO CONTROL: G20050207 DOC DT: 03/23/05 FINAL REPLY:
Rep. Jay Inslee TO:
Chairman Diaz FOR SIGNATURE OF :
PRI CRC NO: 05-0159 Chairman DESC:
ROUTING:
Concerns Application by Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company Regarding the Disposal of Materials from Connecticut Yankee Haddam Neck Nuclear Power Facility DATE: 03/25/05 Reyes Virgilio Kane Merschoff Silber Dean Burns/Cyr Collins, RI ASSIGNED TO:
CONTACT:
NMSS Strosnider SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR REMARKS:
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY L
CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed: Mar 24, 2005 16:41 PAPER NUMBER:
ACTION OFFICE:
LTR-05-0159 EDO LOGGING DATE: 03124/2005 AUTHOR:
AFFILIATION:
ADDRESSEE:
Jay Inslee REP Nils Diaz Concerns application by Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company regarding the disposal of materials from CT Yankee Haddam Neck nuc power facility
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
DISTRIBUTION:
LETTER DATE:
ACKNOWLEDGED SPECIAL HANDLING:
Signature of Chairman RF, OCA to Ack 03/23/2005 No Comr. Correspondence NOTES:
Commission Correspondence FILE LOCATION:
ADAMS DATE DUE:
04/06/2005 DATE SIGNED:
EDO -- G20050207
03/23/2005 15:52 FAX 4257767168 u.s.
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melI.houge.gov WlasIjlugton, Z3 20515-4701 www.houss.g0'/ns March 23, 2005 The Honorable Nils J. Diaz Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
One White Flint North Building 11555 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852-2738
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I am writing regarding an application by Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company (Connecticut Yankee) to your Commission concerning the disposal of materials from Connecticut Yankee Haddam Neck nuclear power facility site.
As a member of Congress from Washington State, I have long supported the efforts to ensure that unregulated disposal of radioactive wastes at the U.S. DOE Hanford site does not further impact the Columbia River. I also support efforts by Washington State to ensure that cumulative impacts of further radioactive waste disposal on the Columbia are fully considered.
Connecticut Yankee is currently requesting authorization from the NRC to dispose of materials from their Haddam Neck plant at US Ecology's unlicensed hazardous waste disposal facility which is located along the Snake River, a tributary of the Columbia River. The application involving a site upstream on the Snake River raises concerns for me and many downriver residents working to protect the Columbia River system.
As you can imagine, a number of Washington State residents find it problematic that the NRC may be moving forward with a decision on this issue without properly including the public. It is my understanding that the NRC has been asked to authorize the proposed disposal under section 20.2002 of the Commission's rules. At the same time, it is also my understanding that the NRC is on the verge of initiating a low-activity solid waste materials rulemaking, addressing the issue of whether and when low-activity waste should be allowed to be disposed of at unlicensed facilities, which are the same issues that the NRC must consider for the Haddam Neck application.
PRINTED ON REOYCL.CO PAPER
03/23/2005 15:52 FAX 4257767168 U. S. Rep. Jay Insles IEj UUJ/UUJ The Honorable Nils J. Diaz March 23, 2005 Page 2 I strongly urge the NRC to consider the Connecticut Yankee application as a part of its rulemaking governing disposal of low-activity waste, and that the public be afforded all the appropriate opportunities for engagement in the decision regarding the application.
This is an issue with potentially significant downstream consequences, both with regard to the precedents the NRC may set in how it makes this decision, and potential effects the decision may have on Washington State residents. The general public, tribes, and states should be permitted to comment on the issues involved, and the NRC should complete a comment analysis on the comments received. The NRC should also consider alternative disposal options and generically analyze the suitability of disposing this waste at unlicensed facilities.
Government always has a responsibility to build trust with its citizens, particularly when making such permanent and significant decisions. It is in the best interests of my constituents, the NRC, companies involved, and the environmental organizations engaged in this matter for the NRC to consider the Connecticut Yankee issue in a manner that builds trust between the parties, rather than further contributing to what a National Academy of Sciences study termed "a legacy of distrust." I believe that in the case of the Connecticut Yankee application, trust can be best nurtured through thorough analyses and robust public engagement.
I would be pleased to discuss any aspect of this letter with you and the other Commissioners at your convenience.
Sincerely, 3affslee Member of Congress cc:
Commissioner Edward McGaffigan, Jr.
Commissioner Jeffrey S. Merrifield Commissioner Greg Jaczko Commissioner Peter Lyons