ML19246C508
| ML19246C508 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 05/22/1979 |
| From: | Grier B NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I) |
| To: | Herbein J METROPOLITAN EDISON CO. |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7907260053 | |
| Download: ML19246C508 (2) | |
Text
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 7, : ' '
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D KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19406 22 MN! m Docket No. 50-320 Metropolitan Edison Company ATTN:
Mr. J. G. Herbein Vice cresident - Generation P. O. Box 542 Reading, Pennsylvania 19640 Gentlemen:
As a result of our experience during the recent accident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Station (TMI), the NRC has been reviewing the arrangements for immediate notifications by licensees and the availability of communicau ons during emergencies. The initial notification from TMI to NRC was delayed due to several difficulties. Later, when concern was raised about evacuation, the telephnne lines into the area around TMI became saturated. These and other difficulties experienced during the initial phases of the emergency neces-sitated thst prompt action be taken to find alternate and more assured tele-phone arrangements.
The American Telephone and Telegrich Company, the local telephone companies and the White House were extremely heloful in reestablishing and expanding the telephone communications systems between the TMI site, the NRC Operations Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and the Regional Office in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; however, communications were limited while these lines were being worked on.
These experiences clearly demonstiated the need to preestab-lish a limited number of direct and adicated telephone lines at certain licensee sites to facilitate the initial notification of a nuclear incident and to assure continued communication.
The NRC has already taken steps to assure that there will be an individual available at all times to receive a call from any nuclear facility.
As a further steo to facilitate immediate notifications and to assure continued and uninterrupted communications with certain licensees, the NRC is arranging to install special telephone lines to all operating nuclear power plants and selected fuel facilities.
When these lines are installed, they will supercede the need for any special arrangements that may have been made for open, contin-uous communi:ation channel; with the NRC in response to I&E Bulletin Series Nos. 79-05, 06 and 08 (for operating power reactor licensees only).
It is planned that there will be two direct and dedicated lines to ea;h site.
One line will be for communicating operational information and will be con-figured in such a manner that when the telephone is lifted from the cradle it will automatically ring in the NRC Operations Center and the appropriate Regional Office.
For nuclear power plant site there will be extensions in, 7-n
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at least, each unit's control room, the shift supervisor's office, any emergency operations or relocation centers and the resident inspector's office where app icable.
For fuel facility sites, extensions will be located in the Plant Manager's Office, the primary alarm station, any designated emergency relocation centers, and the resident inspector's office where applicable.
The second direct and dedicated line would be for communicating radiological and environmental information during an emergency.
This would be a dial up line, not automatic ringing, which would also tie together the site, the NRC Operations Center and the appropriate Regional Office.
For most facilities, extensions would be needed in the main health physics office, any emergency operations or relocation centers and the resident inspector's office where applicable.
We are now preparing a proposed imendment to NRC regulations which will cover this request.
Besides any discussian on the need for and placement of these telephone lines, it is anticipated that the Statement of Consideration will address the question of who will pay the continuing charges for these telephone lines. The NRC believes, however, that in the best interest of the public, installation should not be delayed pending settlement of the question of financial responsibility. Therefore, NRC will pay for the installation and Jervice charges at least until a final rule cc ' he aromulgated.
In the meantime, we expect that each licensee will cooperate with the NRC and the local telephone companies in allowing tnese lines to be installed, as soon as is feasible.
If you have any questions concerning these telephore lines, please call Mr. Robert Carlson of this office at (215) 337-5280.
Sincerely,
/
yce Boyce H. Grier Director cc:
E. G. Wallace, Licensing Manager J. J. Barton, Project Manager R. C. Arnold, Vice President - Generation L. L. Lawyer, Manager - Generation Operatinns G. P. Miller, Manager - Generating Station - Nuclear J. B. Logan, Unit 2 Superintendent G. A. Kunder, Unit 2 Sur.intendent - Technical Support I. R. Finfrock, Jr.
Mr. R. Conrad G. F. Trowbridge, Esquire Miss Mary V. Southard, Chairman, Citizens for a Safe Cnvironment 358 W.-