ML14295A239
| ML14295A239 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Fermi  |
| Issue date: | 10/31/2014 |
| From: | Bill Dean Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Miskokomon D Walpole Island First Nation |
| Chazell R, 415-5003 | |
| References | |
| LTR-14-0582-1 | |
| Download: ML14295A239 (4) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 October 31, 2014 Dan Miskokomon, Chief Walpole Island First Nation R.R. #3 Walpole Island Ontario, Canada N8A 4K9
Dear Chief Miskokomon:
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) thanks you for your letter to Chairman Macfarlane dated September 22, 2014, concerning the proposed license renewal of the Fermi 2 nuclear power plant and your request to review the license renewal process. The NRC recognizes the importance of establishing and maintaining open lines of communication with representatives and leaders of Indian Tribal Nations. On behalf of Chairman Macfarlane, I would like to address some of the concerns identified in your letter.
The U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954 authorizes the NRC to issue commercial nuclear power plant operating licenses for up to 40 years and permits the renewal of the licenses as well. NRC regulations allow for the renewal of these operating licenses for up to an additional 20 years, depending on the outcome of safety and environmental reviews. The license renewal process is designed to assure safe operation of the nuclear power plant and protection of the environment during the license renewal term. A flowchart illustrating the NRC license renewal process is enclosed (see Enclosure 1).
Under the NRCs environmental protection regulations in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 51, Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions, which implement Section 102(2) of the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), renewal of a nuclear power plant operating license requires the preparation of a site-specific supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) to NUREG-1437, Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants (GEIS). The NRC recently completed the scoping process associated with the Fermi 2 license renewal SEIS and is currently conducting an analysis of the continued operation of Fermi 2, alternatives to license renewal, and mitigation measures for minimizing adverse environmental impacts. The Fermi 2 license renewal SEIS will include the analyses of potential impacts to human health, historic and cultural resources, terrestrial and aquatic resources, air and water quality, and socioeconomic issues (among many others) and will contain an initial recommendation regarding the environmental acceptability of the proposed license renewal action. The draft SEIS is scheduled to be issued in mid-2015, and notice of its availability will be published in the Federal Register. The Walpole Island First Nation will have an opportunity to comment on the draft SEIS at that time. A final recommendation will then be made after consideration of comments received on the draft SEIS during the public comment period. The current license renewal review schedule for Fermi 2 is also enclosed (see Enclosure 2).
D. Miskokomon Detroit Edison (DTE) Energy has stated in its environmental report that it has no plans to alter current operations at Fermi 2 because of license renewal, and that the power plant's associated effects on the environment would not change during the proposed 20-year period of extended operation. In addition, DTE Energy has no plans for refurbishment or other license-renewal-related construction activities. The Fermi 2 license renewal application is available for your review at http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/licensing/renewal/applications/fermi.html.
The NRC values public participation in the license renewal process. We believe that collaborating with interested Indian Tribal Nations and members of the public helps the NRC achieve its mission of protecting public health and safety and the environment. The NRC invites the Walpole Island First Nation to provide input to the Fermi 2 SEIS environmental review, as well as the NRCs overall license renewal process. The NRC has published a document, NUREG-1850, Frequently Asked Questions on License Renewal of Nuclear Power Reactors, which explains, in Section 5.0, the process for involvement in the license renewal process. That document is located at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1850/.
Additionally, we invite you to subscribe to Fermi 2s reactor correspondence listserv (automated electronic mailing list). This will allow you to receive the most current news and information from the NRC regarding Fermi 2, as well as information on upcoming public meetings. You can find the listserv at http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/listserver/plants-by-region.html.
Thank you again for your letter. If at any time you have questions regarding the license renewal process, please contact Chris Miller, Director, Division of License Renewal, with any questions.
You can reach Mr. Miller by telephone at (301) 415-1183 or by e-mail at Chris.Miller@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA Jennifer Uhle for/
William M. Dean, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
D. Miskokomon Detroit Edison (DTE) Energy has stated in its environmental report that it has no plans to alter current operations at Fermi 2 because of license renewal, and that the power plant's associated effects on the environment would not change during the proposed 20-year period of extended operation. In addition, DTE Energy has no plans for refurbishment or other license-renewal-related construction activities. The Fermi 2 license renewal application is available for your review at http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/licensing/renewal/applications/fermi.html.
The NRC values public participation in the license renewal process. We believe that collaborating with interested Indian Tribal Nations and members of the public helps the NRC achieve its mission of protecting public health and safety and the environment. The NRC invites the Walpole Island First Nation to provide input to the Fermi 2 SEIS environmental review, as well as the NRCs overall license renewal process. The NRC has published a document, NUREG-1850, Frequently Asked Questions on License Renewal of Nuclear Power Reactors, which explains, in Section 5.0, the process for involvement in the license renewal process. That document is located at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1850/.
Additionally, we invite you to subscribe to Fermi 2s reactor correspondence listserv (automated electronic mailing list). This will allow you to receive the most current news and information from the NRC regarding Fermi 2, as well as information on upcoming public meetings. You can find the listserv at http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/listserver/plants-by-region.html.
Thank you again for your letter. If at any time you have questions regarding the license renewal process, please contact Chris Miller, Director, Division of License Renewal, with any questions.
You can reach Mr. Miller by telephone at (301) 415-1183 or by e-mail at Chris.Miller@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA Jennifer Uhle for/
William M. Dean, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation DISTRIBUTION: LTR-14-0582-1 See next page Package No.: ML14279A562 Letter No.: ML14295A239 *concurred via email OFFICE LA:RPB2:DLR* Tech Editor* PM:RERB:DLR BC:RERB:DLR NAME IKing JDougherty RHoffman DWrona DATE 10/27/14 10/24/14 10/28/14 10/28/14 OFFICE OGC D:DLR D:NRR NAME CKanatas CMiller WDean (JUhle for)
DATE 10/27/14 10/28/14 10/31/14 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
Letter to D. Miskokomon dated October 31, 2014
SUBJECT:
Fermi 2 Nuclear Reactor License NPF-43 Extension Application DISTRIBUTION: LTR-14-0582-1 PUBLIC RidsNrrMailCenter RidsEdoMailCenter RidsOgcMailCenter RidsRgn3MailCenter RidsNrrOd Resource RidsNrrDlr Resource RidsNrrDlrRerb Resource RidsNMSSMstrFSTB Resource MKunowski, RIII PMichalak, NMSS RHoffman, NRR MDudek, OEDO