ML19308B294
| ML19308B294 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 10/01/1979 |
| From: | Biden J SENATE |
| To: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19308B295 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7912280287 | |
| Download: ML19308B294 (2) | |
Text
f JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
otu wans v
'2Cnifeb Sinfes Senale W ASHING TON. O C.
20510 October 1, 1979 The Honorable Joseph M. Hendrie Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 1717 H Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
20555
Dear Mr. Hendrie:
It is my understanding that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission plans radioactive releases to the atmosphere and the Susquehanna River from the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant.
I understand the releases would be made in connection with the clean-up of 200,000 gallons of moderately contaminated water which was used for cooling during the period of the accident.
One possibility apparently under consideration is to release the " cleaned up" water into the Susquehanna River.
Since some radioactive gases are dissolved in the water there would be a radioactive release during the filtration process.
I am very concerned about the consequences of these proposed activities and would appreciate your response to the following questions:
1.
What is the reason for the release?
Have alternatives been fully evaluated?
2.
Have all the environmental effects of the releases been evaluated, and what are they?
Specifically, what is the quantity of the radiation to be released?
Over what time period will it be released?
What radioactive materials are involved?
What is the likelihood of any of the materials entering the. food chain or becoming concentrated in any manner?
What are the expected health effects of the releases for humans and other animals?
How far from the site will increases above the background radiation level be measurable?
3.
Are the releases to be timed so as to minimize their health effects?
Specifically, can the atmospheric releases be limited to times when the majority of the population is indoors?
Will weather conditions be monitored.in order to avoid releases when conditions
]lh
r 2
will increase the adverse health effects?
4.
What provisions have been made to warn or protect the population in affected areas?
Will people be warned to stay indoors during the atmospheric releases?
Is there a need to provide alternate sources of drinking water for communities which depend upon the Susquehanna River for their supply?
Has the potential problem of excessive anxiety produced in the population near the plant been considered?
5.
Have adequate provisions been made for monitoring the releases?
Does the monitoring program include observation of:
radiation in the air, surface and ground waters, soil, milk, fish, and shellfish at sufficient locations, out to a radius of at least twenty miles from the site?
Is there coordination between the monitoring programs of Metropolitan Edison, the State of pennsylvania and neighboring States, various local agencies, and the NRC?
6.
Will the entire operation be managed by Metropolitan Edison or the NRC?
Will the NRC have sufficient staff present at the site in the event of a mishap?
7.
Is there an adequate evacuation plan to be used in the event of a mishap?
Thank you for your prompt consideration of my concerns.
Sincerely, _
3.o
.,.../m~.
Joseph R. Biden, Jr, United States Senator i