ML19257B435

Requests Reply to Constituent 790904 Ltr Re Diesel Generator Bldg Sinking & Cracking

ML19257B435
Person / Time
Site:	Midland
Issue date:	10/19/1979
From:	Levin C SENATE
To:	NRC OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS (OCA)
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ML19257B432	List: ML19257B435
References
NUDOCS 8001160231
Download: ML19257B435 (1)

Text

.

CAR L LEVIN qICHIS AN '

3Cnifeb Sfalc.s Senale WASHINGTON. O.C. 20510 asaan.

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October 19, 1979 Congressional Laison Nuclear Regulatory Cannission _

1717 H. Street, N.W.

Room 1159 C '

Washington, D.C. 20555 ^-

Dear Sir:

On September 4, Mr. Wendell H. Bhrshall of Ridland Michigan s.ent a letter concerning the sinking of the Diesel Building and serious cracks in other buildings at the nuclear plant beiry; built at Midland Michigan, ,_

without receivirg a reply. He has sent me a copy of his letter widch I am forwarding to you for your prompt attention. I would also appreciate G-a copy of your reply to idr. Marshall for my files. -

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

1 Sincerely, F

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Mr. Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation .'

United States Nuclear Regulatory Coc:aission Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Mr. Denton:

Recent publicity concerning the sinking of the Diesel Building and serious cracks in other buildings at the nuclear plant being built at Midland, HI, indicate future troubles. In view of this, what is HRC doing to properly safeguard the public health and safety from the following:

1. Sinking buildings?

2. Cracks in other buildings which implies sinking?

3. Improper support to structures, as example, the service water intake building with foundations on backfill?

4. Cracked walls in auxiliary building which contain important safety equipcent?

5. Why is it necessary to install a permanent de-watering system?

6. Is a percanent de-watering syste:a lastalled at all other nuclear power plants?

7. Has the large 880 acre artifical cooling pond caused excessive water .hich contributes to the building settlement thus causing the cracbi

8. Why is it now necessary to build caisons under ~the auxiliary building? Are these caisons now being built under other buildings?

9. Are the caisons necessary; if so, why were they not built before the auxiliary building was constructed (I believe the foundations are put down before any building is erected)?

10. Consumer's Power Company states that all problems can be corrected - but uhy did the problems occur in the first place?

11. Were these problems caused because of inadequate engineering? Were they caused because of inadequate quality assurance program?

12. What is being done to prevent further sinking of the building at this nuclear power plant?

13. How can the public be assured that proper geological studies were performed to detemine ground conditions before construction was started?

14. What studies, if any, were carried out to insure the ncn-settlenent of buildings due to ground water seepage from the 880 acre artifical pond.

15. How was the pond scaled to prevent water seepage into the building area?

At meetings held on the 23rd of February,1979, and March 5,1979, at NRC Region 3 Office in Glen Ellyn, IL, the Diesel Engine Building settlecent was discussed. At these meetings what was done about the cracking, de-watering, other building settle-ments, and caisons problems?

1766~283

..arold R. Denton, Director

.eptecber 4, 1979 Page Two Since the AEC, your ' predecessor agency, violated the siting regulations by allowing the construction of the nuclear plant within the confines of Midland, MI, what action is being taken by ilRC to insure that this plant will not continue sinking which would damage the buildings? And, finally, what assurance does the public have that other buildings are not in jeopardy?

I await your answers to the questions posed.

Yours very truly,

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" Wendell H. Marshall Mapleton Intervenors WHM/jy cc: Senator Carl Levin Senator Donald Riegle, Jr.

Wendell H. Marshall Mapleton Intervenors RFD #10 Midland, Michigan 48640 e

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