ML16340B990
| ML16340B990 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Diablo Canyon  |
| Issue date: | 08/24/1981 |
| From: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Heringer F CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION |
| Shared Package | |
| ML16340B991 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8109080395 | |
| Download: ML16340B990 (10) | |
Text
Frederick J. Heringer California Farm Bureau Federation 1601 Exposition Boulevard Sacramento, Cali fornia 95815
Dear Hr. Heringer:
P,UG 2 4 1981 50
> ~a~,<>gA Your April 6, 1981 letter to the President regarding the expedition of the licensing of Diablo Canyon, Units l and 2 has been referred to me for response.
The licensing of Diablo Canyon will be conducted in two stages; the issuance of a fuel load and low power
( not to exceed five percent of full power) test license and the issuance of a full pomr license.
Pacific Gas and Electric Caopany filed a motion last year with the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) for authorization to load fuel and conduct low poplar testing prior to final Comaission action with respect to PGEE's application for a full-powe'r operating license.
The NRC staff subsequently issued a supplement to the Diablo Canyon Safety Evaluation Report which addressed additional issues related to new Commission requirements arising from the Three Nile Island (THI) accident.
Intervenors and Governor Brown have sought to reopen the record on Diablo Canyon with respect to these matters.
The ASLB admitted some issues as a
result of Intervenor s'rguments and hearings on IHI-related issues were concluded on thy 22, 1981.
The ASLB issued a favorable finding on July 17, 1981.
- However, we must a<~ait the findings of the Atenic Safety and Licensing Appeal
- Board, which is expected momentarily, on physical security issues prior to the issuance of a low power license.
With regaid to the full power license, the NRC issued on April 2, 1981 supplement Nos.
13 8 14 to the Diablo Canyon Safety Evaluation Repor t on IllI issues related to full pow r and several remaining other issues.
On August 4, 1981 the ASLB adnitted one contention in regard to full power operation, and is awaiting the issuance of the NRC 's Safety Evaluation Report on envirormental qualification of electr ical equipment prior to scheduling the full power hearing.
Ne expect to issue this latter report in September, 1981, consequently a Commission decision on full power operation is not expected before February of next year.
With respect to changes in existing Commission procedures major improvements in the licensing process are unden ay or being considered.
These improvements include:
Expedited and rescheduled review by the NRC staff for plants in the short term category those presently complete and those to be completed in 1981 and 1982.
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The time now being taken between issuance of the supplemental staff evaluation report and initial decisions by licensing boards averages 18 months.
The NRC believes it can compress that time to about 10 months by tightening up the times allowed for each part of the prehearing process and by providing firmer time management of the whole process.
The Commission has published for public comment proposed changes to its rules which would accomplish this.
Changes in the review process the Commission itself exercises over these cases.
The Commission is'onsidering two alternatives to shorten this review period which could save at least two months in each case that has been in hearing.
Early completion of NRC staff review for plants to be completed in 1983 and beyond.
This will require better scheduling of reviews and increased staff resources applied to casework.
Some staff resources can be redirected by deferring lower priority work and shifting some work to other NRC offices.
Before making such a change, the Commission will carefully review the impact on other essential safety-related activities.
In sugary, we are confident the actions we have taken and those we will take will provide major improvements in licensing schedules without compromising the regulatory requirements for safety.
lie appreciate your interest in the Diablo Canyon project and understand your concern at the delays in the licensing.
Please be assured that the NRC is taking every reasonable action to expedite the licensing process, consistent with our commitment to ensure the public health and safety.
Sincerely, Original QgEeri bf H. it. Gentil Harold R. Denton, Office of Nuclear Director Reactor Regulation DISTRIBuTION:
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