ML13136A166
| ML13136A166 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Oconee  |
| Issue date: | 05/17/2013 |
| From: | Boska J Plant Licensing Branch II |
| To: | Barrow J, Barrow P Public Commenter |
| Boska, J P, DORL/LPL2-1 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML13130A390 | List: |
| References | |
| G20130367, LTR-13-0397, TAC MF1774 | |
| Download: ML13136A166 (2) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 May 17, 2013 Mr. and Mrs. Jon Barrow 6 Beacon Ridge Circle Salem, SC 29676
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Barrow:
This letter is in response to your letter dated April 26, 2013, to Chairman Macfarlane of the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), regarding Duke Energy's relicensing application for Lake Keowee. In your letter, you expressed your concern about the possibility that Duke Energy might lower the water level in Lake Keowee by five feet during drought conditions, and the negative effect this could have on waterfront lots and property values.
The NRC is the federal agency that regulates the commercial use of nuclear materials in the United States. As part of our mission, we ensure that commercial nuclear reactors are operated in a manner that protects public health and safety. We regulate the three Oconee Nuclear Station reactors that are located on the shore of Lake Keowee. We have previously evaluated the effect of low lake levels on those nuclear reactors and concluded that they can continue to operate safely as long as the level of Lake Keowee exceeds 791 feet, which is measured relative to mean sea level. If Lake Keowee goes below that value, and it is not restored in a short period of time, the reactors must be placed in cold shutdown. However, your concerns are with lake levels in the range of 790 feet to 800 feet, where 800 feet is the normal full lake level.
Please be advised that the operational levels in Lake Keowee are regulated by a different federal agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Duke Energy holds the FERC license to operate Lake Keowee, and will be applying to FERC for a renewal of this license. For the management of lake levels, we suggest you send your comments to FERC for their consideration.
Sincerely, f,) ~trIfJvt.h-'
fY}U kooert J. Pascarelli, Chief Plant Licensing Branch 11-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-269, 50-270, and 50-287 cc: Distribution via Listserv
Package: ML13130A390 Incomin : ML13130A389 Res onse: ML13136A166 FICE LPL1-lIPM LPL2-1/LA ME Boska SFigueroa ATE 5/15/2013 5/16/2013 LPL1-1/BC RMartin for RPascarelli 5/17/2013