ML19249E173
| ML19249E173 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/04/1979 |
| From: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Macy J Federal Emergency Management Agency |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7909260548 | |
| Download: ML19249E173 (2) | |
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UNITED STATES
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r W ASHIN GTON,0.C. 20555 September 4, 1979 OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable John W. Macy, Jr., Director Federal Emergency Management Agency Room 10213, NE013 13th and n Streets, N.W.
Washington, D.C 20503 Dear Mr.
y:
u, Because of the accident at Three Mile Island, there has been increased attention by the Federal government and the States on the whole questior of State and local radiological emergency response plans for fixed nuclear facilities. I am writing to ask for your support of our increased efforts in this area.
The Federal Preparedness Agency's _ Federal Register Notice of December 24, 1975 assigned various responsibilities to 'the agencies which are now part cf FEMA as well as the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfe:re, and tne Environmental Protection Agency.
Under the notice, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has lead agency responsib'ility for review and concurrence in State plans, but this is a responsibility which we have never carried out alone.
In the past, we have relied on the eftorts and technical competence of DCPA, FDAA, and FPA individuals at the regional and headquarters levels in carrying out this task.
It has been the collective expertise and hard work of all Federal agency participants, particularly at the regional level, which to date has allowed us to concur in the plans of twelve States.
But, much work remains to be done.
Legislation is now pending in the Congress which would, iif enacted, make concurrence in State plans a condition precedent to the operation of new comercial nuclear power plants.
Under S.562, the Senate's version of NRC's 1980 Authorization Bill, unless States have concurred-ii. plans for dealing with radiological emergencies at nuclear power stations by June 1,1980, NRC must close the facilities down.
Under the Ser. ate biTI, NRC may not issue operating licenses for new facilities unless the application contains a copy of the concurred-in State plan.
Concurrence has not been achieved in sixteen States with operating nuclear power stations and there are twelve States where such stations are under construction or which are adjacent to nuclear power stations already operating or under construction.
(See enclosed lists.)
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. As you may know, NRC chairs the Federal Interagency Central Coordinating Coranittee on Radiological Emergency Response Planning. At the June meeting of this group, the membces, including Mr. John McConnell of DCPA, Mr. John Gibson of FDAA and Mr. vames A. Thomas of FPA, again pledged support for the continuing Federal effort in this field, but they were quick to point out that they were not in a position to do anything more than exhort their regional offices to cooperate.
I should say that the cooperation we have had to date frorn the FEMA regional staff has been very encouraging.
But I would like to ask you now to underscore to your regional and headquarters management and staff who work in this area the urgency of this matter during trae next year.
Modest funding may also be required to support increased efforts and travel by regional personnel of FEMA through the spring of 1980. Their participation in field assistance visits, plan reviews anc! critiques of exercises will be needed to an even greater degree than before to achieve final concurrence in the plans for the States not yet having concurrence.
I earnestly ask for your personal support and the support of your Agency for this important work.
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\\ Sincerely, Nj JodphM.Hendrie Chairman
Enclosure:
As stated D*D D
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