ML12262A084
| ML12262A084 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 09/14/2012 |
| From: | Mercado J - No Known Affiliation |
| To: | NRC/SECY/RAS |
| SECY RAS | |
| References | |
| 50-247-LR, 50-286-LR, ASLBP 07-858-03-LR-BD01, RAS E-1121 | |
| Download: ML12262A084 (2) | |
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bocket, Hearing From:
JONI MERCADO jcvm@optonline.net]
Sent:
Friday, September 14, 2012 1:00 PM To:
Docket, Hearing Cc:
Safety@nyindianpoint.org
Subject:
INDIAN POINT NUCLEAR POWER PLANT In May 2008, I wrote the following to the Independent Safety Evaluation Panel and the NRC:
As we know, Entergy's Nuclear Power Plant at Indian Point is aging, corroding and leaking radioactive waste into the groundwater and the Hudson River. Located just 24-miles from New York City, 3 miles from West Point, it is the only one in the country that surrounds 21 million people. Should an unforeseen accident or human error occur, it could potentially cause an indeterminate number of casualties and immeasurable harm following by years of serious health problems from radioactive contamination to this dense population living within the 20-mile radius.
Because of its location on the Ramapo Fault, an earthquake could even destroy the two nuclear reactors or cause structural damage in and around the facility that could be life-threatening.
Indian Point is also recognized to be one of the most attractive terrorist targets in the nation. (American flight 11 soared right by it minutes before smashing into the World Trade Center.)
There isn't even a proven workable evacuation plan for the area in the event of a terrorist attack overhead without a no-fly zone there for our protection. Sometimes, the sirens are inaudible during the test runs.
Historically, there were many previous accidents; the most recent being a continuous leak from one of the fuel rods that is releasing radioactive material into the Hudson River from which three-eyed fish have been caught near the plant. The leak may possibly be killing or mutating aquatic life there.
Many years ago, I had written that Entergy should start building a new Indian Point Nuclear Plant to replace the old one, away from the fault, but that advice was never heeded because to do so would be too expensive.
Decisions that place more importance on money than human life often prove to be detrimental to the environment, as well. A break in the chain of life may trigger a domino effect that could become irreversible. Global warming is a glaring example of what can and is already happening from the constant excessive emissions of carbon dioxide being released into the earth's atmosphere that are destroying the ozone layer that protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays. Large quantities of PCBs have been found to be present in our drinking water and in the fish we consume.
It appears that Entergy, the owner/operator of Indian Point, now wants to squeeze every dollar of profit out of this aging plant by filing an application to renew its license beyond its expiration in 2013 for Indian Point 2 and 2015 for Indian Point 3. Instead of protecting public health and safety, it seems that the NRC is protecting the profits of the nuclear industry.
I believe it would be much too dangerous to keep the very old Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant(s) (one built in 1974, the other in '76),
in operation any further, especially when undetected problems and corrosion could bring about an event similar to what happened after tiOi
tne Chernobyl accident several years ago and the catastrophic health problems millions of
'People faced as a result. As your know, many people suffered long-lasting painful after-effects and eventually died.
Even up until now, people are still experiencing symptoms from the fallout of that disaster.
If Entergy is allowed to keep their nuclear reactor plants in operation much longer, the decision would most likely be a political one, placing more importance on profit than on protecting the lives of 21 million people if an earthquake should occur at the Ramapo Fault, or a terrorist attack from above without a no-fly zone in place to protect Entergy's operating nuclear plants at Indian Point from the latter.
Generally, when it comes to making vitally important decisions, we often put plain common sense aside because, mostly, we base our decision(s) on greed for monetary profit. Often, it's all about who knows who and who owes who a favor.
We would be curious to see how this whole thing plays out in the public eye. Will common sense prevail this time or will the final judicial decision be in favor of Entergy?
- Now, 4 years later, I am again writing this same letter in the hopes of getting results this time, hopefully the denial of Entergy's application for an extension of their license to continue operating their 1970's-old nuclear power plant for another 20 years. Will it be about monetary profit or human life this time around?
I ask you to please deny Entergy's relicensing.
DOCKETED USNRC September 14, 2012 (1:00 p.m.)
OFFICE OF SECRETARY RULEMAKINGS AND ADJUDICATIONS STAFF 2