ML111010507

Comment (34) of Unknown Individual Supporting Nuclear Power & Re-Licensing of South Texas Project Units 1 & 2

ML111010507
Person / Time
Site:	South Texas
Issue date:	03/28/2011
From:	- No Known Affiliation
To:	Rulemaking, Directives, and Editing Branch
References
76FR5410 00034, NRC-2010-0375
Download: ML111010507 (3)

Text

.1.UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 7</~/ ~2~w 50-c'Fl 0 5 C')6~T -z2~i-/e93 62 TEXAS CAMPAIGN 0 ENVIRONMENT Tell the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Halt Re-licensing of Existing Old South Texas Project Nuclear Reactors Tragic lessons are being learned by the nuclear disaster in Japan, and it is time to face the fact that any nuclear reactor, whether here or abroad, can have a serious accident or even a meltdown.

Aging nuclear reactors are especially risky.We must act to prevent nuclear accidents, starting with halting the re-licensing of existing nuclear reactors.

The two South Texas Project reactors are set to retire in 2027 and 2028, but the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) wants to let these aging reactors operate another twenty years, beyond their intended 40- year lifespan.

One of the most problematic reactors in Japan had just passed its decommissioning date, and had been granted a ten-year extension.

The South Texas Project reactors, located in Bay City in Matagorda County, went online in 1988 and 1989 and have had a troubled history. Both units were shut down for over a year in 1993-94 due to problems with the water pumps and diesel generators that are crucial in cooling the reactors, and a $500,000 was issued for safety violations.

In 2003, radioactive material leaked outside the Unit 1 reactor vessel. Just last year the explosion of a large circuit breaker affected one of four water pumps.Fires and explosions pose risks at these reactors and plans for dealing with emergencies at this site are inadequate.

There is still no full-time professional fire department in the county. Hurricanes, floodwaters or heavy storms could cause a loss of power and lead to a loss of coolant and a potential meltdown.Droughts make water availability a concern, especially since the main cooling reservoir is leaking out the bottom.The South Texas Project, 2003 Radioactive leakage found in inspection at South Texas Project.

Please write letters to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to request that re-licensing of South Texas Project Reactors I & 2 be halted: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Stop 01 -F1, Washington D.C. 20555 Suggested points to mnake: T lZ-7erci T iF-, 4-ftA u/1---VI..

Include: -r S Pea07 ,08e P&Vt/ Q Regarding South Texas Project Units 1 & 2 Relicensing, , NRC-2010-0375 DOCKET NOS. 50-498,50-499" The re-licensing of these two reactors for an additional twenty years should be halted for safety reasons.* The risks of an accident, fires, or explosions at one or more reactors at the site could increase with aging reactors.* Safer, cleaner alternative ways to generate the same power exist today and should be used. Studies have found that energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, which are abundant in Texas, could replace the power generated by these two old nuclear reactors.* These reactors consume vast quantities of water use, largely from the Colorado River, water that is needed for drinking water, livestock and farming.* There is no adequate solution for radioactive waste, so it makes no sense to continue generating more.If you have time, please put these points in your own, respectful wording.Please address and stamp your letters and leave outside by 8 o'clock, tonight.To view/download a sample letter or get more involved, please visit www.TexasEnvironment.org