ML092180666

Comment (9) of Phil Gordon on Behalf of Himself, Supporting the Renewal Application for Palo Verde

ML092180666
Person / Time
Site:	Palo Verde
Issue date:	07/24/2009
From:	Gordon P City of Phoenix, AZ
To:	Rulemaking, Directives, and Editing Branch
References
74FR24884 00009
Download: ML092180666 (2)

Text

City of Phoenix OFFICE OF THE MAYOR.. L'X4 !11113: 88 5 Phoenix 2009 MAYOR PHIL GORDON July 24, 2009 p F- '.-c*\ /- -

Chief, Rulemaking and Directives Branch -,-

Mailstop TWB-5B01 M U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission /,/ 2,4 2 j Washington, DC 20555 Chief and Project Manager:

RE: Palo Verde Nuclear Power Facility license renewal I am very pleased to highly recommend the renewal of the license for the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Facility which is situated just west of Phoenix. I am even more pleased to provide comments in support, of Arizona Public Service (APS) and its parent and affiliates who are the primary operators of this incredible facility, the largest nuclear power plant in the United States.

The facility itself appears to meet or exceed standards'of safety, 'environmental regulations, security, operations, communications, and community integration. It has a history of operational excellence by a company and partnership that truly cares about:. its employees and the community in which it serves.' As with any community near a~nuclear facility, we want to ensure that such an operation is the safest'and most efficient of. its kind. As the 5 th largest city in the nation, that concern is manifold. That is why the most crucial element of the facility is the open and frequent communications that exists between its main operator, APS, and our city. APS is quick, meticulous, and thorough in responding to any questions or concerns which ever arise. They initiate contact with our authorities whenever any incident occurs or if there is even the appearance of any incident. That outstanding two-way communications is responsible for ensuring that facts are distinguished quickly from rumors.and that -all pertinent parties are kept regularly informed of any situation occurring at or near the plant.

In addition, Palo Verde was an active member of our statewide Domestic Preparedness Task Force which was in place years before the tragedy of 9-1 1T.APS had the foresight, since its inception, to form public-private partnerships withour city's and state's leaders and managers including our vital public safety entities. That partnership has ensured that communications flows to all stakeholders and potentially affected persons/organizations on a regular basis and during any times of crisis. That joint effort includes training drills with police, fire, and other first responders, and there is a cooperative spirit that is second to none.

That partnership. exists with.the other productive operations of APS. As a geographic area which has peak energy demands in our summer months, APS has been responsive and aggressive in ensuring that power is preserved and available for the 15 '~-S '-' e

Gordon letter Page two homes and businesses of our residents which is crucial for our economic, educational, public safety, and business climate.

APS is a company of which you can be very proud. We certainly are. I have known the top leaders of this company over the past 20 years. Each one has understood the tremendous responsibilities of the company and the nuclear power facility and have lived up to the obligations for producing a safe environment for both employees and residents.

APS is very involved in ourcommunity in more ways than providing power and energy.

The company's contributions have been essential to our social and economic well-.

being. It is hard to find a cause or an element of quality of life in our Valley in which APS has not been involved. Its personnel have been leaders in improving elements of transportation, education, the environment, health care, and public safety. Its employees serve on numerous non-profit and civic organizations and serve as valuable appointees on various public boards and commissions which affect public policy. The awards received by the company and its employees are too numerous to mention. They are true community partners, and this Mayor is very grateful for their endless contributions to our city, our Valley, our state, and our nation.

If there is any additional information you need or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate'to contact me.

Sincerely, Phil Gordon Mayor 200 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, 11TH FLOOR, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85003-1611 PHONE 602-262-7111 FAX 602-495-5583 TTY 602-534-5500 V1WVV. PHOENIX. GOV