ML16295A337
| ML16295A337 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Pilgrim |
| Issue date: | 10/26/2016 |
| From: | Andrea Kock Division of Decommissioning, Uranium Recovery and Waste Programs |
| To: | Bennett T, Vacha J Priscilla Beach Association. |
| Jack Parrot NMSS/DUWP 301-415-6634 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML16295A337 (2) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 October 26, 2016 Mr. Timothy R. Bennett, President Mr. John Vacha, Vice President Priscilla Beach Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 17 White Horse Beach, MA 02381
Dear Mr. Bennett and Mr. Vacha,
Thank you for your letter of September 20, 2016, describing the requests of the Priscilla Beach Association (PBA) regarding decommissioning planning for the Pilgrim Nuclear Generating Station (Pilgrim). Specifically PBA requested to be represented on the organization that Pilgrim will assemble to incorporate the interests of area residents into the decommissioning plans for Pilgrim. Additionally, PBA requested, that as part of the decommissioning, Pilgrims ocean jetty be removed.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recognizes the importance of community involvement in the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant. Decommissioning is a complex process and the NRC believes that decommissioning impacts need to be vetted within the local community. Therefore, the NRC strongly encourages decommissioning licensees to establish a Community Advisory Panel or Board (CAP/CAB) as a good practice in order to enhance communications with the local communities and stakeholders. By actively engaging the community and obtaining local citizen views and concerns regarding the decommissioning process, licensees can provide information on the plant specific plans and obtain input from the local citizens. The NRC frequently attends CAP/CAB meetings to address questions or concerns from the community members.
However, the NRC does not have the authority or the jurisdiction to mandate the establishment of a CAP/CAB type organization by licensees for the decommissioning of a facility or to specify who or what organizations should be on the CAP/CAB should one be formed. The NRC suggests that PBA contact the Entergy office of public affairs at Pilgrim for opportunities to participate on a Pilgrim CAP/CAB for decommissioning.
Regarding the removal Pilgrims ocean jetty, decommissioning is defined in NRC regulations as removing a facility or site safely from service and reducing residual radioactivity to a level that permits termination of the license. Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the NRC is only authorized to regulate and provide oversight of the radiological decommissioning process.
Frequently, after the radiological decommissioning is completed and the termination of the license, the property owner is responsible for site restoration and may remove nonradioactive facilities or structures. However, activities that take place after the licensee has demonstrated that the radiological criteria has been met, and after the NRC license has been terminated, are not within the jurisdiction of the NRC. The NRC has no oversight of these activities once the license is terminated. If the jetty was determined to be radiologically impacted from operations,
T. Bennett 2
NRC would ensure the jetty met radiological release criteria but would not regulate the removal of that structure. Again, NRC suggests that the PBA contact Pilgrim to communicate your organizations desires for the post-decommissioning reclamation of the site.
Sincerely,
/RA Bill VonTill Acting for/
Andrea Kock, Deputy Director Division of Decommissioning, Uranium Recovery, and Waste Programs Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
T. Bennett 2
NRC would ensure the jetty met radiological release criteria but would not regulate the removal of that structure. Again, NRC suggests that the PBA contact Pilgrim to communicate your organizations desires for the post-decommissioning reclamation of the site.
Sincerely,
/RA Bill VonTill Acting for/
Andrea Kock, Deputy Director Division of Decommissioning, Uranium Recovery, and Waste Programs Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards DISTRIBUTION:
RPowell, RI BVenkataraman, NRR ML16295A337 OFC NMSS/DUWP NMSS/DUWP NMSS/DUWP NAME JParrott BWatson AKock(BVonTill for)
DATE 10/24/2016 10/24/2016 10/26/2016 OFFICE RECORD COPY