ML13220B016

SONGS Ki Letter to Mr. Moustafa Abou-Taleb

ML13220B016
Person / Time
Site:	San Onofre
Issue date:	04/18/2014
From:	Robert Lewis NRC/NSIR/DPR
To:	Abou-Taleb M State of CA, Office of Emergency Services
Doris Lewis
References
Download: ML13220B016 (4)

Text

April 18, 2014 Mr. Moustafa Abou-Taleb, Branch Manager California Office of Emergency Services Preparedness Division 3650 Schriever Avenue Mather, CA 95655

SUBJECT:

FUTURE NEED FOR POTASSIUM IODIDE TABLETS

Dear Mr. Abou-Taleb:

I am writing on behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to inquire about the State of Californias (CA) intentions regarding its future need for potassium iodide (KI) tablets.

The decision by Southern California Edison to cease power production at its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) located in San Clemente, CA, appears to warrant a review of CAs KI policies. The NRC requests information from you about future KI needs to fully inform its 2015 budget request, which is currently being formulated.

The NRC recognizes that the overall authority for making radiological protective action decisions for citizens (including the use of KI, sheltering, and evacuation) rests with either the State or local authorities. To support their decision process, the NRC funds an initial supply of KI to States that have requested it for use by their populations within the 10-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) of commercial nuclear power plants. The NRC has also agreed to replenish KI stockpiles in accordance with the tablets expiration dates. To date, CA has received approximately 1.6 million KI tablets and is scheduled to receive 1.56 million tablets in the upcoming replenishment cycle during fiscal year 2015.

As you know, KI is a protective measure that protects the thyroid gland against the internal uptake of radioactive iodine-131 that may occur during the unlikely event of an accidental release at a nuclear reactor. Iodine-131, which has an 8-day half-life, is the principle radioisotope of concern with respect to the prophylactic use of KI. When a nuclear reactor is shut down, there is no production of radioactive iodine, and therefore the prophylactic use of KI would not be warranted. Additional information can be found on the NRC website:

http://www.nr+c.gov/waste/spent-fuel-storage/faqs.html.

The NRC staff looks forward to working with you regarding CAs future KI needs. We would appreciate notification regarding your decision for KI replenishment for the population within SONGSs 10-mile EPZ by May 16, 2014.

M. Abou-Taleb If you have any questions or concerns regarding this request, please contact me at (301) 287-3779.

Sincerely,

/RA/ Scott Morris for Robert J. Lewis, Director Division of Preparedness and Response Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response

M. Abou-Taleb If you have any questions or concerns regarding this request, please contact me at (301) 287-3779.

Sincerely,

/RA/ Scott Morris for Robert J. Lewis, Director Division of Preparedness and Response Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response This correspondence addresses policy issues previously resolved by the Commission, transmits factual information, or restates Commission policy.

Distribution:

RidsNsirMailCenter RidsOcamailCenter RidsOgcMailCenter RidsEdoMailCenter RidsSecyMailCenter A. Stang, NSIR V. Quinn, FEMA A. Mitchell, FEMA R. Grundstrom, FEMA A. Mitchell, FEMA R.Rihm, EDO W. Potter, FEMA M. Dapas, RGN IV DPR r/f EDO e/f ADAMS ACCESSION No.: ML13220B016 OFFICE: NSIR/DPR NSIR/DPR RGN IV*via e-mail NSIR/DPR NAME: DLewis PMilligan WMaier RLewis SMorris for DATE: 03/26/14 03/26/14 04/15/14 04/18 /14

M. Abou-Taleb OFFICIAL RECORD COPY