ML17187B063
| ML17187B063 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Dresden, Byron, Braidwood, Quad Cities, Zion, LaSalle, Marble Hill |
| Issue date: | 07/29/1997 |
| From: | Capra R NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned) |
| To: | Schlosberg L AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML17187B064 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9707310205 | |
| Download: ML17187B063 (14) | |
Text
UNITED STATES
- NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Mr. Lester Schlosberg 6149 N. Wolcott Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
.~.
Dear Mr. Schlosberg :
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20566:-0001 July 29. 1997
- ./.
5o -Z'J 7~/j'q' /:z !>IF/~4'>5>
21~ /,gplf/ 3 T'! /J-flf I am responding to your letter of June 10. 1997. to Chairman Jackson of the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission CNRC) in which you expressed your general concern about the disposal of plutonium and your particular concern regarding the possible use of mixed oxide (MOX) fuel (which contains the plutonium) by Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) in light of its operational performance.
As you know. performance at some ComEd plants has been a concern to the NRC for some time.
As a result of continuing inconsistent safety performance at a number of ComEd sites. the NRC issued a letter pursuant to its regulations in 10 CFR 50.54(f) on January 27. 1997. requiring ComEd to submit information relating to its ability to operate six nuclear stations while~ustaining performance improvement at each site.
ComEd responded on March 28 and April 15. 1997.
On April 25. 1997. ComEd and the NRC staff discussed ComEd's performance at a public meeting.
The NRC is conducting regulatory oversight activities aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely operate its six nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement at each site.
With regard to the utilization of surplus plutonium as a component of the fuel in its commercial nuclear power plants. ComEd has indicated that it is interested in using MOX fuel.
However. ComEd has. not officially asked the NRC to evaluate the acceptability of its use of MOX fuel in any of its plants.
Before any MOX fuel is used in any domestic commercial nuclear power plants.
the Department of Energy (DOE) would begin a formal evaluation process and issue a request for proposals to solicit expressions of interest from
.utilities which potentially could use the fuel. followed by evaluation of the respondents and selection of one or more finalists for the MOX fuel program.
In addition. the NRC must authorize the use of MOX fuel in any domestic commercial power reactor.
If DOE were to select ComEd to participate in the MOX fuel program. ComEd would be required to perform a safety analysis of the impact of using MOX fuel and to request an amendment to one or more of its operating licenses. Before such an amendment could be granted.,the NRC would conduct a review to determine if using MOX fuel would affect the safe operation of the plant and the NRC may have to assess*the environmental impacts of plant operation using MOX fuel. The. NRC
- s review would al so assess the measures that would be employed to ensure the physical security of the MOX fuel.
Any request for a l/
~ license amendmer~L{tJli)~'Bsubject to a licensing hearing atthe reques\\;~, /,
' o~n1ggg~-i~7. ',\\ \\ J flf. ems &QP1
interested person who properly shows standing under NRC regulations. If ComEd were to formally request to use MOX fuel in any of its six nuclear stations.
the NRC staff would evaluate that request on its merits using the information available to the NRC at that time.
In summary. the NRC's current regulatory oversight initiatives are aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely operate its six nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement at each site. It would be premature. at this time. for the NRC to take a position regarding the acceptability of the potential use of MOX fuel before it receives any proposal or request by ComEd or any other utility for a license amendment to authorize the use of such fuel.
We recognize your interest in these issues and *hope that you find this letter helpful in addressing your concerns.*
Sincerely, Robert A. Capra. Director Project Directorate III-2 Division of Reactor Projects - III/IV Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
In summary~ the NRC's current regulatory oversi h initiatives are aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely operate its
- nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement at e site. It would be premature, at this time, for the NRC to take a pos' on regarding the acceptability of the potential use of MOX fuel before
- receives any proposal or request by ComEd or ~ny other utility for a li se amendment to authorize the use of such fue 1 *
~----
We recognize your inte* st in these issues and hope that you find this letter helpful in addressin your concerns.
Docket Nos. STN 50-456, STN 50-547, STN 50-454, STN 50-455, 50-237, 50-249, 50-373, 50-374, 50-254, 50-265, 50-295, 50-304 Sincerely, Robert A. Capra, Director Project Directorate III-2 Division of Reactor Projects - III/IV Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation DOCUMENT NAME:
DICK\\GT970447
- see previous concurrence To receiv" a copy of this document, Indicate In the box: *c* = Copy without enclosures *E* = Copy with enclosures *N* = No copy OFFICE PM:PD3-2 D:DPRW NAME GOICK ~o.-~,c*
DATE 06/1'/97 OFFICE AOPR/NRR NAME.
"RZIMMERMAN DATE 06/30/97
L. Schlosberg
. In summary~ the NRC's current regulatory oversi h initiatives are aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely operate its nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement at e site. It would be premature, at this time, for the NRC to.take a pos*
on regarding the acceptability of the potential use of MOX fuel before
- receives any proposal or request by ComEd or any other utility for a l i amendment to authorize the use of such fuel.
~
We recognize your inte helpful in addres~in in th~se *issues and *hope that you find this letter concerns.
Docket Nos.. STN 50-456,.STN 50~547, STN 50-454, STN 50-455, 50-237,
- 50~249, 50-373, 50.-374,, 5Q.:.254, 50-265, 50-295, 5Q~304 r:
.:- ~:
Sincerely, Robert A. Capra, Director Project Directorate 111-2 Divi~ion of Reactor Projects - III/IV Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
~ '
DOCUMENT NAME:
DICK\\GT970447
- see previous concurrence To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box: "C" = Copy without enclosures "E" = Copy with enclosures "N" = No copy OFFICE PM:PD3-2 NAME GOICK ~o.-~4C' ABBEACH*
DATE 06/~97 06/24/97:jlc OFFICE ADPR/NRR NAME
- RZIMMERMAN DATE 06/30/97
L. Schlosberg 2 -
applicability of its use of MOX fuel in any of.its plants.
fuel is used in any domestic commercial power reactor, DOE mus request for *proposals to solicit expressions of interest fro partles
.interested in using*the fuel, followed by evaluation of th respondents selection of one or more finalists. *
~-,
and
- If ComEd expresses an interes~ iri u~ing Mai.fuel, and 'f DOE.selects ComEd to participate in the MOX fuel prrigrami'ComEd ~ould be quired to perform a safety analysis. of the impact of using MOX fuel an to request an amendment to one or more of its licenses.
Befor'e such an amen ent could be granted, the NRC would conduct ~ review io determine if u~in OX fu~l would affect the safe operation of the plant or' the e'nvironinent
,'impacts of plant operation.
The NRC's review would also ~ssess the measu~ s that.would be employed to ensure the physical security *of the ftiel;
'comEd *makes such a request~ the NRC staff will evaluate it.on iti merits intj the informatiori available to the NRC at that time-..
In summary, the-.NR'C's curr~nt *regulat y_ov.ersi,ght initi~tives are aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely* oper
- e 'its. six* nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement.t each,site.. *. It,'would be premature,. at this time, for the NRC to take a os.ition.. regarding the* acceptability of the potent i a f use of MOX fuel befor it receives any proposal or request by Com Ed for a license amendment.to aut ori.z~:the use.of such*fuel.
. We recognize yo~r interest helpful in addressing yba Docket Nos STN 50-456, STN 50-547,.
STN 50- 54, STN 50-455, 50-237, 50-24 ' 50-373, 50-374, 50-254, *.
50-5, 50-295, 50-304 hope that you find this letter Sincerely, Samuel.J. Collins, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation*
DICK\\GT970447
- see previous concurrence To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box: "C" = Copy without enclosures "E" = Copy with enclosures "N" :: No copy OFFICE PM:PD3-}
l "'
e TECH ED I.
OGC I
Riii I
D:DPRW I
NAME GOICK l, f..A\\\\
"BCalvro LJChandler
- ABBEACH
';J". c" \\S>wc.\\ l JROE Cat\\ a. :i:: i.J c:..
DATE 066/J.97/',. '
06/23/97 06/ /97 06/24/97:jlc<gr,}~.>'._
06/ll/97
~o<:..~..,.
OFFICE ADPR/NRR.
D:NRR I
' EDO I.
OCM I
I NAME RZIMMERMAN
(}.. ~-c:.-
SC OLLI NS LJCALLAN SJACKSON DATE 06f'tj97 r,,..;fr~-r:..
06/ /97 06/ /97 Ot-t-ICIAL ncCORLJ COt'Y
~..
"\\
2 *-.
affect the safe operation of the ~lant.or the environmental impacts of plant operation.
The review would also assess the measures that would be employed to ensure.the physical security of the fuel.
If ComEd does make such a request. it will be evaluated on it~ merits u~ing the information available to e NRC at that time.
In ummary. the NRC's current regulatory oversight initiatives are aimed at ensu iQg that ComEd can safely operate its six nuclear stations while susta ing performance improvement at e*ach site. It would be premature. at*
.this ti e. for the NRC to take a position regarding the ac~eptability of the potentia use of MOX fuel prior to the receipt of any proposal or request by ComEd for lic~nse amendment to authdrize the use.of such fuel.
our interest in these issues ~nd hope that you find this letter essi ng your concerns.
- Docket No~. STN 50-45~. STN
- STN 50-454; STN 50-455.
50-249. 50~373. 50-374.
50-265. 50-295. 50-304 Sincerely.
Samuel J. Collins. Director Offic~ of 'Nuclear Reactor Regulation DOCUMENT NAME:
DICK\\GT970447
- To receive a copy of this document, *indicate in the box: "C" =Copy without enclosures py with ~nclosures "N" = No copy OFFICE PM:PD3-2 TECH ED OGC NAME GOICK
- RSa::dc:s LJChandler JROE DATE 061 197 061)197 061 197.
06/ 197
.OFFICE ADPR/NRR D:NRR EDO NAME RZIMMERMAN SCOLLINS LJCALLAN DATE 061 197 06/ 197 061 197
Distribution for EDO Principal Correspondence Control Ticket #G9704*47
.DISTRIBUTION:
1:0.~g*~K~l_.!j les*:,* ( STN 50-456, STN 50-457, STN 50-454,
- STN 50-455,
. -~.O;)l3,, 50~374, 50-254, 50-265, 50-295, 50-304} (w/incoming},
- PUB.IJIC*:*~(.w/lncorni ng},*.
EDO #G970447, 05E6 EDO r/f, 05E6 L.J. Callan, 05E6 E. Jordan, 05E6 H. Thompson, 05E6 P. Norry, 05E6 J. Blaha, 05E6 S: Burns; 015Bl8..
C. Paperiello, NMSS, T8A23 A.B. Beach, RIII S. Collins/f. Mira~lia, 012Gl8 R. Zimmerman, 012Gl8
- T. Martinj 011H21 PD3-2 r/f J. Roe, JWR E. Adensam, EGAI R. Capra M. Boyle (email MLB4}
P. Milano, 014B20 M. Thadani, 014B20 OGC, 015B18..
OPA, 02A13 SECY #CRC-97-0609, 016Gl5 ~
~-
M. L. Slosson, 01H21 K. Bohrer, NRR Mail Room (EDO #G970447 w/incoming}, _qi2Gl8 N. Olson, 012Gla T. Harris G. Dick (w/incoming}
S. Bailey R. Assa J. Stang R. Pulsifer L. Rossback D. Skay
- c. Shiraki D. Lynch C. Moore
- V. Perin, T8A33
- T. Sherr, T8A33 J. Wilson, 010H5 R. Lanksbur:y, RI II M. Parker, RII I W. Kropp, RIII
.. ~,._
~.- ~~-
50-237, 50-249, T5C3
/
I~
Distribution for EDO Principal Correspondence Control Ticket #G970447 DISTRIBUTION:
Docket Files (STN 50-456, STN 50-457, STN 50-454,*STN 50-455, 50-237, 50-249, 50-373, 50-374, 50-254, 50-265, 50-295, 50-304) (w/incoming), T5C3 PUBLIC (w/incoming)
EDO #6970447, 05E6 EDO r/f, 05E6 L.J. Callan, 05E6 E. Jordan, 05E6 H. Thompson, 05E6 P. Norry, 05E6 J. Blaha, 05E6 S. Burns, 015Bl8 C. Paperiello, NMSS, T8A23 A.B. Beach, RIII S. Collins/F. Miraglia, 012Gl8 R. Zimmerman, 012Gl8 T. Martin, 011H21 PD3-2 r/f J. Roe, JWR E. Adensam, EGAl R. Capra M. Boyle (email MLB4)
P. Milano, 014B20 M. Thadani, 014B20 OGC, 015Bl8 OPA, 02Al3 SECY #CRC-97-0609, 016Gl5 M. L. Slosson, 01H21 K. Bohrer, NRR Mail Room (EDO #G970447 w/iricoming), 012Gl8 N. Olson, 012Gl8 T. Harris G. Dick (w/incoming)
S. Bailey R. Assa J. Stang R. Pulsifer L. Rossback D. Skay C. Shiraki D. Lynch C. Moore V.
Perin~ TSA33
- T. Sherr, T8A33 J. Wilson, OlOHS R. Lanksbury, RIII M. Parker, RIII W. Kropp, RIII
Distribution for EDO Principal Correspondence Control Ticket #6970447 DI STR lBUT ION:
Docket Files (STN 50-456, STN 50-457, STN 50-454,*STN 50-455, 50-237, 50-249, 50-373, 50-374, 50-254, 50-265, 50-295, 50-304) Cw/incoming), T5C3 PUBLIC Cw/incoming)
EDO #6970447, 05E6 EDO r/f, 05E6 L.J. Callan, 05E6 E. Jordan, 05E6 H. Thompson, 05E6 P. Norry, 05E6 J. Blaha, 05E6 S. Burns, 015Bl8 C. Paperiello, NMSS, T8A23 A.B. Beach, RIII S. Collins/F. Miraglia, 012618 R. Zimmerman, 012618 T. Martin, 011H21 PD3-2 r/f J. Roe, JWR E. Adensam, E6Al R. Capra M. Boyle (email MLB4)
P. Milano, 014B20 M. Thadani, 014820 06C, 015Bl8 OPA, 02Al3 SECY #CRC-97-0609, 016615 M. L. Slosson, 01H21 K. Bohrer, NRR Mail Room (EDO #6970447 w/incoming), 012618 N. Olson, 012618 T. Harris
- 6. Dick (w/incoming)
S. Bailey R. Assa J. Stang R. Pulsifer L. Rossback D. Skay C. Shiraki D. Lynch C. Moore V. Perin, T8A33 T. Sherr, T8A33 J. Wilson, OlOHS R. Lanksbury, Rill M. Parker, RIII W. Kropp, RIII c
In summary~ the NRC's current regulatory oversi h initiatives are aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely operate its
- nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement at e site. It would be premature, at this time, for the NRC to take a pos on regarding the acceptability of the potential use of MOX fuel before
- receives any proposal or request by ComEd or any other se amendment to authorize the use of such fuel.
/~*
We recognize youi inte st in these issues and hope that you find this letter helpful in addressin concerns *
. Sincerely, Docket Nos. STN 50-456, STN 50-547, STN 50-454, STN 50-455, 50-237, 50-249, 50-373, 50-374, 50-254, 50-265, 50-295, 50-304 Robert A. Capra, Director Project Directorate 111-2 Division of Reactor Projects - Ill/IV Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation DOCUMENT NAME:
DICK\\GT970447
- see previous concurrence To receive a copy of this document, Indicate In the box: *c*.= Copy without enclosures *e*.. Copy with enclosures *N* = No copy OFFICE PM:PDJ-2 NAME GOICK 4l,o.-~4C' DATE 06/11:197 OFFICE ADPR/NRR NAME
- RZIMMERMAN DATE 06/30/97
UNITED STATES
- NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Mr. Lester Schlosberg 6149 N. Wolcott Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
Dear Mr. Schlosberg:
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20556-0001 July 29, 1997 I am responding to your letter of June 10. 1997. to Chairman Jackson of the U. S. Nuclear* Regulatory Commission (NRC) in which you expressed your.general concern about the disposal of plutoni.um and your particular concern regarding the possible use of mixed oxide (MOX) fuel (which contains the plutonium) by Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) in light of its operational performance.
As you know. performance at some ComEd plants has been a concern to the NRC for some time.
As a result of continuing inconsistent safety performance at a number of ComEd sites. the NRC issued a letter pursuant to its regulations in 10 CFR 50.54(f) on January 27. 1997. requiring ComEd to submit information relating to its ability to operate six nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement at each site. ComEd responded on March 28 and April 15. 1997.
On April 25. 1997. ComEd and the NRC staff discussed ComEd
- s performance at a public meeting.
The NRC is conducting regulatory oversight activities aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely operate its six nuclear stati ans while sustaining performance improvement at each site.
With regard to the utilization of surplus plutonium as a component of the fuel in its commercial nuclear power plants. ComEd has indicated that it is interested in using MOX fuel.
However. ComEd has not officially asked the NRC to eval~ate the acceptability of its use of MOX fuel in any of its plants.
Before any MOX fuel is used in any domestic commercial nuclear power plants.
the Department *of Energy (DOE) would begin a forma 1 eva 1 uati on process and issue a request for proposals to solicit expressions of interest from utilities which potentially could use the fuel. followed by evaluation of the respondents and selection of one or more finalists for the MOX fuel program.
- In addition. the NRC must authorize the use of MOX fuel in any domestic commercial power reactor.
If DOE were to select ComEd to participate in the MOX fuel program. ComEd would be required to perform a safety analysis*:of the impact of using MOX fuel and to request *.an amendment to one or more of its operating licenses. Before
.such an amendment could' be granted. the NRC would conduct a review to determine if using MOX fuel would affect the safe operation of the plant and the NRC may have to assess the environmental impacts of plant operation using MOX fuel.
The NRC's review would also assess the measures that would be employed to ensure the physical security of the MOX fuel.
Any request for a license amendment will be subject to a licensing hearing at the request of an
interested person who properly shows standing under NRC regulations. If ComEd were to formally request to use MOX fuel in any of its six nuclear stations.
the NRC staff would evaluate that request on its merits using the information
.available to the NRC at that time.
In surrunary. the NRC's current regulatory oversight initiatives are aimed at ensuring that ComEd can safely operate its six nuclear stations while sustaining performance improvement at each site. It would be premature. at this time. for the NRC to take a position regarding the acceptability of the potential use of MOX fuel before it receives any proposal or request by ComEd or any other utility for a license amendment to authorize the use of such fuel.
We recognize your interest in these issues and 'hope that you find this letter helpful in addressing your concerns.
Sincerely,
- l?~a.(~../
Robert A. Capra. Director Project Directorate III-2 Division of Reactor Projects - III/IV Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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. :.':.~;'.'.~f,EDO Principal :Corresppndence ~Control.*<*
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- DUE: '06/25/97 *
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-Chairman.Jackson
~FOR.SIGNATURE OF :
Off ice Director it fDESC:
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f, COMMONWEALTH EDISON USE 'OF.PLUTONIUM
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- ~ATE: 06/13/97
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~SPECIAL INSTRUCTION$ OR REMARKS:
.CONTACT:
.Collins
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-~ *>>*sEDO CONTROL: ~G970447 DOC DT:
- 06/10/97
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- *FINAL.REPLY:
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PAPER NUMBER:
_ACTION OFFICE:
AUTHOR:
AFFILIATION:
..ADDRESSEE:
LETTER DATE:
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
DISTRIBUTION:
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
.CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET CRC-97-0609 EDO LESTER *sCHLOSBERG ILLINOIS CHAIRMAN JACKSON
'Jun 10 97 LOGGING DATE: Jun 12 97 FILE CODE:
COMMONWEALTH EDISON ***** USE OF PLUTONIUM AI{p1fo'fFip.¥-e j)., *{_.
CHAIRMAN SPECIAL HANDLING: NONE CONSTITUENT:
NOTES:
DATE DUE:
SIGNATURE:
DATE SIGNED:
AFFILIATION:
- -:...:~* *-** --------"-*---*
).
EDO -- G970447
:......---**~*---------~-"--'---- ---