ML070790738
| ML070790738 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 04/09/2007 |
| From: | Peter B. Lyons NRC/Chairman |
| To: | Galef S State of NY, State Assembly |
| Emch R, NRR/DLR/REBB, 415-1590 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML070790732 | List: |
| References | |
| CORR-07-0052, G20070165, LTR-07-0169, TAC MD4826, TAC MD4827 | |
| Download: ML070790738 (2) | |
Text
April 9, 2007 The Honorable Sandra Galef Albany Office, Room 641 Legislative Office Building Albany, New York 12248
Dear Assemblywoman Galef:
On behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), I am responding to your letter of March 2, 2007, in which you stated your support for the performance of a comprehensive safety review of Indian Point prior to the NRC approving a 20-year renewed license.
The Commission understands your desire for an independent, thorough, and objective inspection. The NRC conducts detailed, objective inspections, and assessments under a program called the Reactor Oversight Process (ROP) at all operating reactor facilities on a continuous basis in seven fundamental areas to measure plant performance and ensure safe plant operation.
The Commissions position on an independent safety assessment (ISA) for Indian Point remains that such an inspection is unwarranted. The Commission recently affirmed this position in a letter dated February 15, 2007, (enclosed) in response to a letter from Congressmen Hinchey, Lowey, and Engel. In this correspondence, the Commission also noted that the ROP, as currently implemented, effectively incorporates the inspection elements of the Maine Yankee ISA. Furthermore, the NRC provides better oversight under the ROP because the ROP provides continual performance evaluation. In the same letter, the Commission provided a detailed comparison between the ROP and the Maine Yankee ISA, and indicated that it remains convinced that Indian Point is undergoing the appropriate level of inspection scrutiny.
I want to assure you that the Commission is committed to independent, thorough, and objective inspections at all NRC-regulated facilities, including Indian Point. The Commission believes that the current level of oversight at Indian Point is appropriate and commensurate with the facilitys performance. Should the performance of the Indian Point facility decline, the NRC will focus increased inspection resources on the area of decline to ensure the facility continues to operate safely in accordance with NRC regulations.
If you have any additional questions, the NRC staff will be happy to meet with you or your staff to discuss the NRC inspection and oversight process.
Sincerely,
/Original signed by Peter B. Lyons/
Peter B. Lyons Acting Chairman
Enclosure:
Letter dated February 15, 2007 to Congressmen Hinchey, Lowey, and Engel