ML19241B305
| ML19241B305 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/21/1979 |
| From: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Noyes G AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19241B306 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7907160035 | |
| Download: ML19241B305 (1) | |
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L Junc 21' 1979
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C H A m.".? AN b
c firs. George E. floyes 381 Elderlane Uinnetka, IL 60093 j
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Dear firs. t' oyes:
L The answer to your question is that we continue to license nuclear plants and permit their operation because we have reasonable confidence that the j
8 wastes can and will be disposed of permanently in a safe manner.
I There can be no argument that we have not roved forward in the development
[
of nuclear energy as we should have to complete the engineering and con-i struction of at least one prototype \\;aste disposal facility.
In fact, work l
in this area was greatly reduced in the late 1960's and early 70's, to l
make funds available for other projects. That was a mistake which has beea i
reversed in the last few years.vith greatly increased funding levels for waste disposal facility development, but the delays caused by those years j
of near-neglect continue.o plague us.
1 i
Nevertheless, thm h;s been a great deal of research and development work i
done on aste dist, sal, particularly for deep geologic disposal.
There l
are some problems and uncertainties remaining to be investigated, but I would not char acterize those as posing any fundamental obstacles.
In fact, I know of no authoritative i;ork showing that safe permanent disposal can not be accomplished.
Numercur, e.tudir report that it can he donn.--! sugijost the American Physical Society fuel cycle study and the Ford / MITRE study l
for tvio.
It is my belief that the technology of untc Jisposal is in oart l
in hand anu that the balance of the technology development will be accom-plished in the coming years.
What is not in nand is the necessary political structure to allow the technology to progress in the area of pilot plant or demonstration facilities f.
in an optimum manner.
Ho',;ever, it is inconceivable to me the' a, as a r~'
nation, lack the will to get on with the solution to this pruolem.
I will L
I look to you and to cther concerned citizens to keep making it clear to our political leaders that you, and all of us, want this work to go forward--
i, Carefully and thoroughly and prudently, to be sure--but also aggressively and with firm resolve.
Sincerely,
/
L s
y' h NL-3 n
' Jose M. Henirie C 9 1,
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7?o7160035'