ML11234A526
| ML11234A526 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Columbia  |
| Issue date: | 08/15/2011 |
| From: | Smartlowit B Northwest Environmental Advocates |
| To: | NRC/SECY |
| SECY RAS | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML112334A525 | List: |
| References | |
| License Renewal, RAS 20821, 50-397-LR | |
| Download: ML11234A526 (1) | |
Text
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION In the Matter of ENERGY NORTHWEST (Columbia Generating Station)
BEFORE THE SECRETARY
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Docket No. 50-397-LR DECLARATION OF STANDING I declare under penalty of perjury:
- 1.
My name is Bruce Smartlowit. I am a member of Northwest Environmental Advocates.
- 2.
I live at 891 W. Wapato Road, Wapato, WA. My post office box is in Toppenish, WA.
- 3.
My home and the places that I spend time are approximately 50 miles from the site of the Columbia Generating Station for which Energy Northwest is seeking a 20-year operating license extension. As a result I am frequently within 50 miles of the reactor, for example when I go to Toppenish to pick up my mail.
- 4.
Energy Northwest submitted the application for an operating license extension on January 20,2010. On March 11, 2011 three of the Fukushima nuclear reactors in Japan suffered a full meltdown. By 2023, when the NRC plans to issue a new 20-year license for the Columbia Generating Station, the reactor will be 40 years old, increasing its risks of a nuclear accident. In addition, the Fukushima accident demonstrates that the manner in which the NRC evaluates the environmental impacts of nuclear reactors has been and continues to be inadequate.
- 5.
Based on historical experience with nuclear reactors to date, including the problems demonstrated by the Fukushima ac~ident, I believe that these reactors are inherently dangerous.
For this reason it is extremely important that they be designed, maintained, and operated to the highest standards. I am concerned that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission may not take the steps to assure this outcome. The continued operation of an aged nuclear reactor so close to my home could pose a grave risk to my health and safety if it is not operated safely. In particular, I am concerned that if an accident involving atmospheric release of radiological material were to occur I could be killed or become very ill. Therefore I am greatly concerned that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission not grant an operating license extension for the Columbia Generating Station unless it can be operated safely and without significant adverse environmental impacts.
- 6.
Therefore, I have authorized Northwest Environmental Advocates to represent my interests in this operating license extension proceeding for Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station.