ML19269E237
| ML19269E237 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Beaver Valley, Surry, Maine Yankee, FitzPatrick  |
| Issue date: | 05/17/1979 |
| From: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Den Hough G AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7906270076 | |
| Download: ML19269E237 (3) | |
Text
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M UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 s>
gy i 7 E9 Dr. Garry den Hough, III 50 Maple Streat (Suite 100)
Springfield, MA 01103
Dear Dr. Hough:
This is in response to your letter regarding the orders by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on March 13, 1979, to shut down five nuclear power plants in the eastern United States because of questions about the ability of their piping systems to withstand earthquakes.
Shortly before those orders were issued, it becar apparent to NRC staff I
that analysis techniques which had been used in a seismic design of safety related piping for these five plants were not in accord with proven and generally accepted engineering practice.
The result.could be overstressing of piping and supports for earthquakes which could reasonably be expected to occur during the lifetimes of these plants.
The eastern United States is generally believed to be a region of low seismicity, when compared to the western part of the country, but is not without significant historical seismic activity.
Attached is a map showing the location and intensity of earthquakes that have c curred in your region.
i Some of the piping systems involved could, if failure occurred, cause loss of coolant to the nuclear reactor.
In addition, systems needed to shut the plant down safely in that event could also be affected.
- Thus, an earthquake of not extremely low likelihcod would have the potential for causing an accident and for preventing operation of safety systems designed to cope with the accident.
Our objective is to review the situation in an expedited and disciplined manner so that these plants can be returned to operation with assurance that this will not constitute a threat to the public health and safety.
Sincerely, A
Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
Earthquake Maps for Southern Maine and Northern New England 2131 347
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CHESTNUT ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS. INC.
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50 MAPLE ST. (SUITE 100) i SPRINGFIELO. MASS. 01103 T EL. 785-1691 aus. 7s51695 GARRY DEN HotJaH. t il. M. D.
dCHN O. OCWCCSC.
M. O.
JAMES 0. FISHER.
M. O.
8 MORTON O. LYNN. M. O.
March 22, 1979 i
E 3
1 The president The White House Washington, D.C.
y I
Dear Sir:
I Ming _.you to asL>ou_to_ teyiewlhe_ decision, Af_th.e..R os o
Commission to_c_1,o_sgvyyclear-power..glants.in &he_,Nqr,tbe.a nfi this action is too precipitate l
3,.It would appear to me that I understand that it is not
'm raiThquake,.prote,3. tion in~ vies'6f tfieinfFe'quenc'y of earthquakes in this area.
I would appear that yet known what methods will be taken to correct the defe d would be y
J dd minimal.
l I do not feel that adequi ce consideration has been given to either th I do not feel thc. I shortage or the inflation proalem in reaching this decisio i
t that f
they are cooperating.
I have the honor to remain Most respectfully yours, 0 -m
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Garry dbN Hough, III, M.D.
s-GdH/pm N
b 2131 350
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