ML19317H466
| ML19317H466 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 04/11/1980 |
| From: | Thornburgh R PENNSYLVANIA, COMMONWEALTH OF |
| To: | Ahearne J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19317H465 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8006090095 | |
| Download: ML19317H466 (3) | |
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C o M M o N w c A LT H or PCNNSYLVANI A GOVERNOR's Orrect HARRISBURG
- h THE GOVERNOR April 11, 1980 Honorable John F. Ahearne Acting Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C.
20005
Dear Mr. Chairman:
This is to confirm my informal request to your staff regarding the proposal to remove radioactive Krypton 85 from the Three Mile Island Unit 2 containment building by the process of venting it into the surrounding atmosphere.
As you know, that proposal was entered into the Federal Register on March 27, with the period ending April 17 assigned for public comment.
The proposal has aroused considerable anxiety in the surrounding area, coupled with the assertion by some that safer alternatives exist for Krypton decontamination.
In the interest of assuring that the venting proposal and its alternatives have been thoroughly examined by the broadest range of experts knowledgeable in the' field, and in the hope of assuring our people that whatever course ultimately taken is, indeed, the safest available, I have asked the' Union of Concerned Scientists'(UCS) to undertake an independent study of this matter.
.As indicated in the attached correspondence, UCS has agreed to do so, and Dr. Henry Kendall, chairman of the organization, has indicated his understanding of the need to complete'this study,within approximately one month.
e I therefore respectfully request that the commission extend its comment period to reflect whatever facts or opinions might emerge from this effort, and accordingly defer any final decision on the cleanup proposal.
4/15..To ED0 to Prepare Reply for Signature of Chairman..Date due Com:
Apri! !?...Cpys to:
Chm, Cars,PE,GC,PA,CA.Chil k, Docket.. 80-0736 8006090 0 / 3
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. 1, Hon. John F. Ahearne d-April 11, 1980 Page 2 Please be assured that my request to UCS in no way repre-sents a judgment, on my part, regarding the venting proposal.
If a broad consensus is possible on this difficult question, however, I believe it would be in the public interest for all parties to work together in a good faith effort to reach one.
I understand that UCS and members of your staff are working cooperatively to complete this assessment as expeditiously as possible.
Your support and assistance in this regard would be deeply appreciated, not only'by me, but by the people living in the area surrounding Three Mile Island.
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' CONCERNED
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" SCIENTISTS April 4, 1980 Governor Richard Thornburgh Nain Capitol Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Governor Thornburgh:
This letter is the response of the Union of Concerned Scientists to the re' quest you made to my colleague Bob Pollard and me at our March 28th meeting.
You expressed an interest in having our group conduct a study of the proposed Krypton-85 release from Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant.
I am pleased to say we are prepared to take on this task.
Our preliminary look at the problem during the last week has already suggested that we may be able to make a useful contribution to this vexing problem.
'Our review group will consist of Mr. Pollard, Daniel Ford, and myself, of the Union of concerned Scientists.
Joining-us will be two members of MHB Associates of San Jose, California, Dale Bridenbaugh and Gregg Minor, reactor experts and respected critics of many aspects of nuclear power, Jan Beyea, a nuclear physicist of Princeton University and the National Audubon Society and, as a reviewer, Frank von Hippel, a physicist, also from Princeton.
It is likely, but not yet confirmed, that Dr. Edward Radford, a specialist in biological effects of radiation, will also join.
An aerodynamicist and a mechanical engineer from MIT and a physicist from Michigan State University have. agreed to help as consultants with certain specialized problems.
We have met with Harold Denton of URC.and have bden assured of his cooperation.
Our schedule, tentatIively agreed on, is to attempt to have the study concluded in a month.
The group will be meeting in Washington next ueek and a more, precise estimate will be prepared.
It is clear to.us that a schedule extended much beyond a month is not desirable.
Very sincerely, b,! l g __.
Henry W.
Kendall HWK/jec 1M: Masuchuatts Avr;nce Ca,tege.1.tassac';setts 02238
- ic!ephone (617) 517 5552 1725 i St:(:et. N W.
Sut:e 601 WasNngtcn. D C 20006 Telephong (202) 29G 5600
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