ML18100B079
| ML18100B079 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Salem  |
| Issue date: | 05/14/1994 |
| From: | Taylor J NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Biden J SENATE |
| Shared Package | |
| ML18100B081 | List: |
| References | |
| CCS, NUDOCS 9405230257 | |
| Download: ML18100B079 (4) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555--0001 May 14, 1994 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden United States Senate Washington, D. c.
2051_0
Dear Senator Biden,
I am responding to issues you raised in your letter of May 11, 1994, to Chairman Selin regarding restart of the Salem Unit 1 nuclear facility.
The Commission has followed very closely the NRC staff's assessment of the event that occurred at Salem Unit 1 on April 7, 1994, and has paid*close attention to subsequent actions and corrective measures being taken by Public Service Gas and Electric Company (PSE&G) following the event.
The decision on authorization of restart rests with the staff and, therefore, I am responding to your letter.
However, because of your interest the Chairman has been briefed personally, although informally, on the restart decision and he has told me that he is comfortable with the staff's action.
On May 9, 1994, the Commission held a meeting which was open to public observation during which PSE&G discussed their assessment of the event and corrective actions that they were taking.
The NRC staff also summarized the activities and preliminary conclusions of the Augmented Inspection Team (AIT) during this meeting.
Following the Commission meeting, on May 11, the NRC staff submitted a more detailed summary of the AIT findings to the Commission, and a copy of this assessment was also placed in the Public Document Room.
The staff is now in receipt of the licensee's most recent submittal (enclosed) that responds to the remaining AIT restart issues, and PSE&G has requested NRC permission to return Salem Unit 1 to power operation.
The NRC staff has completed its review and is satisfied that all restart issues have been adequately addressed.
Therefore, the NRC has no basis for delaying the restart of Salem Unit 1.
'J*he NRC analysis is enclosed which addresses both the technical and management issues involved.
I want to assure you that the NRC staff will closely monitor plant start-up and operations and we w~ll not hesitate to take any necessary regulatory actions to protect public health and safety.
Regarding enforcement action, the staff is assessing any violations of the regulations and will apply.the NRC enforcement policy including consideration of escalating and mitigating factors, as ~pproPriate.
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We would.be happy to keep you or your staff informed of our ongoing oversight of the Salem I restart and operation.
We appreciate your recognition of the NRC staff's responsiveness to your inquiries on this matter.
~~--
HughL~&
~) James M. Taylor
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Executive Director for operations
Enclosure:
As stated Distribution:
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Distribution:
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ENCLOSURE Licensee Submittals Dated Apr.il 25, 1994 Apri 1 29, 1994 May 10, 1994 May 13, 1994