ML071520267
| ML071520267 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Oyster Creek |
| Issue date: | 06/11/2007 |
| From: | Dyer J Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Goyette R - No Known Affiliation |
| AYALA, JUAN, NRR/DLR/RLRA, 415-4063 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML071520259 | List: |
| References | |
| TAC MD5536, Y020070107 | |
| Download: ML071520267 (4) | |
Text
June 11, 2007 Mr. Russell W. Goyette 7 Strathmere Street Waretown, NJ 08758-2651
Dear Mr. Goyette:
On behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), I am responding to your letter dated May 8, 2007, regarding your concerns about the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station spent fuel pools vulnerability to potential terrorist threats, citing the recent failed terrorist plot on Fort Dix.
In my previous letters, I explained the approval process for license renewal and the NRCs oversight of nuclear power plant (NPP) safety. Let me again assure you that the NRC takes seriously its regulatory mission of protecting public health and safety and the environment, and promoting the common defense and security of the United States. This includes assuring licensee compliance with applicable laws and requirements. Construction and operation of a NPP is only approved after an extensive NRC review determines that the design is safe and acceptable in all aspects, including the storage of spent fuel. As described in my previous letters, these security issues are not reviewed in license renewal because they are addressed on an ongoing basis at all licensed NPPs.
The NRC requires that NPPs, including spent fuel, be protected against potential terrorist threats. In addition to existing security regulations, the NRC issued Orders to all NPP licensees shortly after 9/11 to increase the level of security against a spectrum of potential terrorist threats. The NRC regularly inspects NPP sites to ensure that they meet these security requirements and works with the industry to develop additional guidance to ensure that the security enhancements provide adequate facility protection in the evolving threat environment.
Further NRC vulnerability assessment studies, including studies that addressed aircraft attacks, have focused on power reactor facilities and spent fuel pools to assist in the development of appropriate mitigation measures at all sites, including Oyster Creek. Information regarding the details of the Oyster Creek spent fuel pool and the associated protective strategy is sensitive and is not available to the public.
The NRC regulates in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and its oversight assures adequate protection of public health and safety, the environment, and promotion of the common defense and security.
R. Goyette The most recent Safety Evaluation Report Related to the License Renewal of Oyster Creek Generating Station, dated March 30, 2007, can be found in the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System under Accession No. ML070890637.
I trust that this information is responsive to your letter.
Sincerely,
/RA/
J. E. Dyer, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation cc: See next page
Pkg: ML071520259; Incoming: ML071380306; Ltr: ML071520267
- Concurrence via email OFFICE PM:RLRA:DLR LA:DLR Tech Editor*
OGC NAME JAyala YEdmonds L-ACulp MYoung NLO w/edits DATE 06/05/07 06/05/07 06/01/07 06/05/07 OFFICE BC:RLRA:DLR DD:DSP:NSIR D:DLR D:NRR NAME LLund SMorris PTKuo JDyer DATE 06/05/07 06/05/07 06/06/07 06/11/07
cc:
Jon Corzine Governor of New Jersey P.O. Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625-0001 Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Hart Senate Office Building Suite 324 Washington, DC 20510 Senator Robert Menendez Hart Senate Office Building Suite 317 Washington, DC 20510 Congressman Jim Saxton United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515-3003 Julia L. Huff, Esq.
Staff Attorney Rutgers Environmental Law Clinic 123 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102-3094 Richard Webster, Esq.
Staff Attorney Rutgers Environmental Law Clinic 123 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102-3094