ML19221A059
| ML19221A059 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 04/03/1979 |
| From: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | PRESIDENT OF U.S. & EXECUTIVE OFFICES |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7905170270 | |
| Download: ML19221A059 (2) | |
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r DRAFT /Mr. Ahearae/ April 3,1979 The President The Uhite House Washington, D. C.
20500
Dear Mr. President:
The situation at Three Mile Island is now sufficiently improved that I have cautious optimism we can bring the reactor to a safe shut down without relcases to the public of any significant quantities of radiation.
This accident raises many vital issues, including whether similar accidents should be expected at other plants and whether government is correctly structured to protect the public health and safety.
Extensive reviews of the accident ar.d its handling are necessary.
The f;u: lear Regulatory Co.nmission will do an in-house review of thase questions, because we t.:ust develop answers to questions such as Should tiRC plant design and operating revies procedures be changed?
Must r,adification be made to allow the other similar plants to operate?
Should ooerator procedures and qualifications be changed?
How should fiRC emergency procedures be improved?
This in-house review will utilize the Commission's technical staff as well as outside expe-ts.
We expect our review to provide the infor-mation necessary for us to address the above questions.
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However, the Commission believes this in-house revie,i will not reach some broader issues raised by the seriousness of this accident.
A broader review should involve the Congress and the Executive Branch and be visibly separate from those who were 'intimt ely involved with Three Mile Island.
We suggest the need for a Blue Ribbon panel established by you, with principal focus on technical questions, i.e., how did the accident happen, and how was the accident handled.
The fr Commissioners and staff will provide whatever assistance is desirec Respectfully, Joseph fl. Hendrie Chairman
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