ML13070A054
| ML13070A054 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 02/06/2013 |
| From: | Margolis L - No Known Affiliation |
| To: | Kristine Svinicki NRC/OCM |
| Pickett, Doug | |
| References | |
| G20130177, LTR-13-0184 | |
| Download: ML13070A054 (4) | |
Text
ETS.
SU.S.NRC Protecting Pple and the Fnvironent Ticket No: G20130177
-ý Geea Inorato Assigned Office: NRR Other Assignees:
OEDO Due Date: 04/03/2013 SECY Due Date:
Date Response Requested by Originator: 04/03/2013 Other Parties:
Subject:
Research Project on Nuclear Reactors/Nuclear Fission - Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant
==
Description:==
CC Routing: Regionl ADAMS Accession Numbers - Incoming:
Response / Package:
- k the Inomto Cross Reference No: LTR-13-0184 SRM\\Other: No b
0rcs Inomto I
Action Type: Letter Signature Level: NRR Special Instructions:
OEDO Concurrence: No OCM Concurrence: No OCA Concurrence: No Doumn Inforatio Originator Name:
Originator Org:
Lara R. Margolis Citizens Date of Incoming: 03/06/2013 Document Received by OEDO Date: 03/07/2013 Addressee: Commissioner Svinicki Incoming Task: Letter T74e
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OEDO POC: Dan Merzke
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed: Mar 0S, 2013 17:16 PAPER NUMBER:
ACTION OFFICE:
LTR-13-0184 ED LOGGING DATE:
03/01/2013 AUTHOR:
AFFILIATION:
ADDRESSEE:
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
DISTRIBUTION:
LETTER DATE:
ACKNOWLEDGED SPECIAL HANDLING:
NOTES:
FILE LOCATION:
Lara Margolis NJ Comm Kristine Svinicki Expresses concern regarding the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant and requests that it be shut down Direct Reply SECY to Ack.
02/06/2013 No ADAMS DATE DUE:
04/03/2013 DATE SIGNED:
EDO -- G20130177
30 Mayflower Drive, Tenafly, New Jersey 07670 February 6, 2013
- 1. Cmr. SV;iicki
- 2. Nicole (File -
/3/.o*
Ms. Kristine L. Svinicki 2
o i
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Copy being routed)
Mail Stop 0- 1 6G4 Washington, DC 20555-0001
Dear Ms. Kristine L. Svinicki:
My name is Lara Margolis and I am an 8th grade student at the Tenafly Middle School in New Jersey. I developed an interest in nuclear energy by doing a research project on nuclear reactors, nuclear energy and how the reactors work by using nuclear fission. As I researched further into this topic I learned that I live approximately twenty-five miles away from the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. I am writing this letter to you to express my serious concern regarding the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant and why I believe it should be permanently shut down.
Although the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant produces nearly 30% of the energy consumed in New York, which is vital to our everyday lives, the risk of a catastrophic event (similar to the meltdown in the Fukushima district of Japan in 2011) is too high. First, the functioning reactors are built extremely close to the Ramapo Fault line and the reactors are only able to withstand an earthquake of 6.1 on the Richter scale.
Second, the reactors were built nearly forty years ago, and older equipment is more likely to break down, which can increase the risk of meltdowns. Thirdly, the power plant could be a target for terrorism attacks.
Although a disastrous event leading to a meltdown or release of radiation into the surrounding environment is unlikely, given that the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant is so close to the New York City area I don't believe even a remote risk is acceptable.
According to "New Jersey Monthly" "Living on the Ramapo Fault Line," Wayne J. Guglielmo states "...as the longest fault in the Northeast, the Ramapo Fault line begins in Pennsylvania and moves into New Jersey, before terminating in New York..." Although a major earthquake passing over 5.5 on the Richter scale is highly unlikely to occur on the Ramapo fault line, it is a potential threat. The Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant's reactors are built just a mile away from the fault line. This is extremely hazardous. Earthquakes are capricious. As I previously stated, the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant can only endure an earthquake no greater than 6.1 on the Richter scale. An earthquake exceeding 6.1 on the Richter scale could easily cause significant damage.
The Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant has an initial forty-year limit licenses to operate, which is just about to expire. However, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which you lead, is considering keeping the power plant open longer by granting a twenty-year extension on the operating licenses. Older equipment is more likely to break or become damaged. All components of the power plant are crucial for a safe source of energy. The risk of a meltdown, from out-dated equipment, in my mind, calls into question the decision to renew the operating license for an additional twenty years. Approximately 108 million people live in the fifty-mile radius of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. In the event of a meltdown, these people would have to be evacuated. It's hard to even imagine how difficult this task would be.
- rls. Svinicki-Page 2 An additional major concern of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant is the risk of a terrorist attack.
Terrorists have historically targeted major cities in America, such as New York City. According to Edwin S.
Lyman, PhD in the "Impacts of a Terrorist Attack at Indian Point" "... Although the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ordered modest security upgrades at Indian Point in response to the 9/11 attacks, the plants remain vulnerable, both to air attacks and to ground assaults..." Given its vulnerability as a target of terrorism and the mass casualties that would occur in the event of a successful terrorist attack I cant see any reason from a security standpoint to allow this nuclear power plant to still operate today.
The possibility of a nuclear reactor meltdown at Indian Point would release enough radiation, that according to multiple studies, could cause close to 50,000 deaths immediately as well as tens of thousands of long term deaths due to cancer caused by radiation exposure. The risk of casualties as well as the enormous effects on the economy would be unfathomable. I've outlined three concerns, all of which increase the risk of damage to the Indian Point facility. Given these risks, I believe that my school, the neighborhood where I live as well as New York City is put at an unnecessary risk. While this plant is still functioning, it is for these reasons that I am strongly in favor of permanent closure of this facility. I am sure you are well aware of all of these points, but I am hopeful that hearing them in a letter from a young student may persuade you to consider closing the sight.
Thank you for seriously considering my proposal. I look forward to hear back from you.
Sincerely, Lara R. Margolis