ML14339A669
| ML14339A669 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Sequoyah  |
| Issue date: | 12/23/2014 |
| From: | David Wrona NRC/NRR/DLR/RERGUB |
| To: | Spain E Muscogee (Creek) Nation |
| Chazell R, 415-5003 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML14339A669 (4) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 December 23, 2014 Mr. Emman Spain Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Muscogee (Creek) Nation P. O. Box 580 Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447
SUBJECT:
COMMENT ON THE DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR SEQUOYAH NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2, LICENSE RENEWAL
Dear Mr. Spain:
This letter is in response to your comment on the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), dated October 3, 2014, for possible renewal of the operating licenses for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant (SQN), Units 1 and 2.
As stated in our letter to your tribe in March 2013, the NRC is conducting Section 106 consultations in compliance with National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) through the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as outlined in 36 CFR 800.8(c).
The comment submitted does not point out concerns with cultural resources within the scope of the NRCs Section 106 consultation. The comment submitted discusses the Muscogee (Creek)
Nations concern regarding safe operation of the plant.
Safety considerations fall outside the scope of the NRCs NEPA and NHPA Section 106 reviews. However, as part of the license renewal application review, the NRC rigorously reviews safety considerations attendant to the prospect of a renewed license. Such considerations, where appropriate, are assessed in the site-specific safety review that is performed for license renewals, rather than in the environmental review.
As part of the license renewal safety review, the NRC staff examined TVAs aging management programs to ensure that the effects of aging on structures and components will be adequately managed during the period of extended operation. This review, which is separate from the environmental review, ensures adequate protection of the publics health and safety during the 20-year license renewal period. The NRC staff documents its safety review in the Safety Evaluation Report (SER) related to the SQN license renewal. The SER with Open Items is available to the public and can be found at http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML1426/ML14266A033.pdf.
Additionally, during the period of extended operations, SQN would, if renewed licenses were issued, be required to meet the terms of the renewed licenses. The NRC has many oversight mechanisms to monitor that compliance. Such mechanisms include the Reactor Oversight Program, license technical specifications and conditions, and the enforcement program. If the NRC determines that the licensee is not operating in accordance with Commission regulations and the facility licenses, appropriate action will be promptly taken to ensure adequate protection of the publics health and safety and the environment.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Russell Chazell, Environmental Scientist, at 301-415-5003 or by e-mail at Russell.Chazell@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA/
David J. Wrona, Chief Environmental Review and Guidance Update Branch Division of License Renewal Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-327 and 50-328 cc: Listserv
- concurred via email OFFICE LA:NRR/DLR*
NRR/DLR/RERB PM:
NRR/DLR/
RPB2 PM:
NRR/DLR/
RPB1 BC:
NRR/DLR/
RERB NAME IBetts RChazell DDrucker ESayoc DWrona DATE 12/9/14 12/12/14 12/16/14 12/16/14 12/23/14
SUBJECT:
COMMENT ON THE DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR SEQUOYAH NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2, FEDERAL REGISTER DOCUMENT 2014-18966 Distribution:
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