ML19270H356
| ML19270H356 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Beaver Valley, Surry, Maine Yankee, FitzPatrick  |
| Issue date: | 05/17/1979 |
| From: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Richards W AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7906270124 | |
| Download: ML19270H356 (3) | |
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g, MAY 17 E79 Mr. William S. Richards Sturdivant Road Cumberland Foreside, ME 04110 Dear Mr. Richards-This is in response to your letter regarding the orders by the Nuclear Regulatory Conmission 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 became apparent to NRC staff that analysis techniques which had bcen used in the seismic design of safety-related piping for these five plants were not in accord with proven an'd generally accepted engineering practice.
Thc 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 seiuic activity.
Attached is a map showing the location and intensity of earthquakes that have occurred in your region.
Some of the piping systems involved could, if f ailure occurred, cause loss of coolant to the nuclear reactor.
In addition, systems needed to i
shut the plant down safely in that event could also be affected.
- Thus, an earthquake of not extru:.ely low likelihood would have the potential for causing an accident and for preventing operation of safety systems designed to cope with the accident.
e r objective is to review the situation in an expedited and disciplined mani,'r so that these plants can be returned to operation with assurance that this will nnt constitute a threat to the public health and safety.
Sincerely, 2
A Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
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