ML13137A315
| ML13137A315 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | San Onofre  |
| Issue date: | 05/15/2013 |
| From: | Atkins T State of CA, State Assembly |
| To: | Macfarlane A NRC/Chairman, Rules, Announcements, and Directives Branch |
| References | |
| 78FR22576 00089, NRC-2013-0070 | |
| Download: ML13137A315 (3) | |
Text
05/16/2013 10:51 FAX 9163192176 ASM ATKINS 1A 003/003 ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS 78th D is tr ic t FAX COVER Please Reply to:
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STATE CAPITOL P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0078 (916) 319-207R /(916) 319-.2178 rux DATE: 5/16/13 TO:
Chair Macfarlane FR:
Chinook for Majority Leader Atkins PGS:
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-o TONI ATKINS COASTAL PROTECTION E-MAIL ASSEMBLYMEMBER, SEVENTY-EIGHTH DIS1 AICT PORnR Autiemblymen-r bor A*kis.ORsemly.ca.gov MAJORITY LEADER SEA LEVEL RISE AND THE CALIFORNIA ECONOMY JOINT COMMI1¶!ES RULES JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT May 15, 2013 Allison Macfarlane, Chairman U.S. Nuclcar Regulatory Commission Mail Stop 0-16G4 Washington, DC 20555-0001 FAX: RADB at 301-492-3446 RE: Docket 1 D NRC-2013-0070
Dear Chairman Macfarlane and Members of the NRC,
I have serious concerns regarding the proposed restart of one of the damraged nuclear reactors at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). My State Assembly District is immediately downwind of SONGS. Millions of southern Californians live and work in the area that would be affected by a major incident at SONGS.
As the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) considers whether one of the damaged reactors should be restarted in a proposed 5-month test at reduccd power, the public should have the opportunity to provide input into the deliberations. Every precaution should be taken prior to restarting either of the damaged reactors.
'The request before the NRC is for a narTow license amendment. Given that unknown causes may have contributed to the damage to the steam generator tubcs, it is in the best interest of the public that a comprehensive license amendment process be initiated. The public deserves the opportunity to hear the Mull discussion on whether operating Unit 2 at a reduced level could lead to the future degradation of' steam generator tubes, the status of the reactor's emergency core cooling systems, the seismic risk to SONGS and the ability of the facility to withstand even a moderate local earthquake, and emergency management strategies in place should there be another release of radioactivity into the local environment.
NRC staff has issued a preliminary finding of no significant hazard, with a final determination to be made by the Commission in the near future. I would hope that a full evidentiary hearing would be held including third party experts and public input before such a significant decision is finalized.
Transparency in decision making should be the priority. Tlhe NRC should not consider whether to grant a no significant hazard request until after a comprehensive hearing takes place.
Printed on Recycled PO.er
05/16/2013 10:50 FAX 9163192176 ASM ATKINS I002/003 Chairman Macfarlane Page 2 May 15, 2013 I agree with the views expressed by Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Edward Markey in their April 9th letter:
"'The NRC must complete its expansive investigation and safety review bcfore making any preliminary or final decisions regarding a license amendment that could enable the restart of San Onofre, including the Unit 2 reactor. Anything less than that would fall far short of the kind of consideration the 8 million people who live within 50 miles of the San Onofre facility deserve."
In your May 8Lh response to Congressman Scott Peters' concern regarding public safety issues at the San Onofre facility, you responded that, "The NRC has listened to the safety concerns of the citizens in your community and other public stakeholders regarding SONGS, and is committed to ensuring that the public is informed about the condition of the plant and our work to ensure its safety."
The best way to ensure transparency and to address questions about the condition of the plant and the safety issues that have been raised is to conduct a comprehensive public hearing prior to any decision on whether to restart SONGS at any power level.
- Warmly, TONI ATKTNS Ma.ority Leader 78 District Assembly cc:
Senator Barbara Boxer Senator Diane Feinstein Governor Edmund G. Brown NRC Commissioner Kristine L. Svinicki NRC Commissioner George Apostokalis NRC Commissioner William D. Magwood IV NRC Commissioner William C. Ostendorff Eric Leeds, Director, NRC Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Michele Evans, Director, NRC Division of Operating Reactor Licensing