ML18102B484
| ML18102B484 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Salem  |
| Issue date: | 07/11/1997 |
| From: | Biden J SENATE |
| To: | Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML18102B483 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9708080086 | |
| Download: ML18102B484 (2) | |
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. JCSEPH R. BIDEN, Jft.
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DB.AWARE Chainnan Shirley A. Jackson Bnittd £'tatt.s ~matt*
WASHINGTON. DC 205t0-<le02 July 11, 1997 United States Nuclear Regulatory Comm;ssion Washington,. DC 20555-0001
Dear Chairman Jackson:
N0.77~ P002 I am concerned about th(' safety implications of fire penetration seals featuring combustible silicon foam at the Salem Generating Station:\\ Mindful of the General Accounting Office's recent conclusions that the longstanding problems at this facility may be attributable, in part, to the NRC accepting less than full compliance with federal safety regulations, I respectfully request answers to the following questions prior to your staff authorizing the restart for Salem Unit 2:
I. Section ill.M of Appendix R to Part 50 of Title 10 in the Code of Federal RegulatiQns explicitly requires that fire bamer cable penetration seals use only noncombustible materials. I understand that RTV silicon foam, such as that being used at Salem Units 1 and 2, is combustible. Is Salem Unit 2 required to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section ill.M?
- 2. If Appendix R, Section m.M is applicable for Salem Unit 2:
a) Has the NRC issued an exemption from this regulation to pennit PSE&G to restart the plant with its combustible fire baniers?
b) If no such exemption has been granted, under what authority could Salem Unit 2 be pennitted to rest.art?
- 3. If Appendix R, Section ID.Mis not applicable for Salem Unit 2:
a) What regulation ~lies to the fire penetration seals for Salem Unit 2?
b) Why does the NRC refer only to Appendix R requirements, and not the regulation cited in the reSJ?Onse to Question 3.a above, when the staffa.Udits Salem Unit 2 for compliance with fire protectton regulations?
- 4. What inspection report or other document has been issued by your staff that determines that PSE&G is in compliance with the applicable fire penetration seal regulation for Salem Unit 2?
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- k Chairman Shirley Jackson 11July1997 page two
- 5. Does the Salem Generating Station's Updated Final Safety Analysis Report Section 9.5.1.2.2, "Penetration Seals," clearly specify the applicable licensing bases for Salem Units 1 and 2? If not, under what authority could Salem 2 be pennitted to restart?
- 6. Assuming that Appendix R, Section ill.M is applicable for Salem Unit 1 since this plant was licensed prior to January l, 1979, how have PSE&G and the NRC ensured that penetrations through areas common to both writs, such as the main control roo~ comply with the appropriate regulation?
Thank you in advance to your response to m request.
seph R. Biden, Jr.
cited States Senator
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