ML13302C005
| ML13302C005 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | San Onofre  |
| Issue date: | 04/06/1981 |
| From: | Dircks W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Cranston A SENATE |
| Shared Package | |
| ML13302C004 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8104200171 | |
| Download: ML13302C005 (2) | |
Text
oLEAR UNITED STATES LEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIO WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 APR 6 $91 The Honorable Alan Cranston United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Cranston:
Your letter dated February 23, 1981, to Carlton Kammerer in reference to a letter from San Clemente City Councilman "illiam Mecham concerning an early alerting system for the City of San Clemente has been referred to me for response.
On August 19, 1980, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission published an amendment to Title 10 of the Code.of Federal Regulations at Part 50, Appendix E, that includes a requirement for the capability of alerting and providing prompt instructions to the public in the 10 mile Emergency Planning Zone around a nuclear power plant within 15 minutes after the State/local authorities have been notified of an emergency by the nuclear power plant licensee. The regulation states that by July 1, 1981, the nuclear power plant licensee shall demonstrate that the administrative and physical means for alerting and notification have been established; however, the regulation does not specify the means by which the alerting shall be accomplished. Current NRC guidance to utilities as given in Appendix 3 to NUREG-0654 (copy enclosed) suggests a combination of fixed, mobile or electronic tone generators which will convey the alerting signal with sufficient intensity to permit completion of notification by broadcast media. Sirens are one means of achieving this objective. Other available means include the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alert system, the Federal Emergency Broadcast System (EBS), automatic telephone dialers, and aircraft with loud speakers.
Specific examples of means selected by some utilities may be of interest to you. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company is installing 52 electro mechanical sirens around the Diablo Canyon plant. These sirens will be controlled by radio signals over the San Luis Obispo County fire control radio equipment upon notification from the San Luis Obispo Sheriff. The Arkansas Power and Light Company is installing a combination of sirens and tone alerts. Another utility is proposing tone alerts only. Obviously the final design of an alerting system is dependent upon population density, terrain configurations, rural vs. urban built-up areas, industrial complexes and other factors.
On March 17, 1981, an NRC staff member discussed the information above in telephone conversations with both William Mecham, San Clemente City Councilman, and Ron Coleman, Fire Protection Director.
810420 Ov\\"ll
The Honorable Alan CraAn
- 2 I trust this information is responsive to Mr. Mechan'S request.
We are prepared to provide any further Information concerning emergency planning requirements that you may need.
If your need is urgent I suggest that you call our Director of Emergency Preparedness,, Mr. Brian Grimes at (301) 492-7415.
Sincerely.
illiam J. Dircks Executive Director for Operations