ML19321A564
| ML19321A564 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Seabrook  |
| Issue date: | 07/15/1980 |
| From: | Youngblood B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Shannon King AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8007230622 | |
| Download: ML19321A564 (2) | |
Text
4
'c UNITED STATES E
D, NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
_/
y O.E WASHINGTCN, D. C. 20555
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%s JUL 151980 Mr. Shawn King 121 South Fruit Street Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Dear Mr. King:
]
Because the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the Federal agency responsible for licensing nuclear power plants, including Seabrook Station, Units 1 and 2, your letter to President Carter postmarked May 8,1980, has been referred to me for reply.
On July 9,1973, Public Service Company (PSC) of New Hampshire filed an application with the NRC to build the Seabrook Station.
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the NRC thoroughly reviewed the environ-mental impacts of the project prior to making a decision on the issuance of a Construction Permit. A Firal Environmental Impact Statement describing the environmental aspects of the project was issued in December,1974. Our environ-mental review for construction and operation of the Seabrook Station included l
consideration of potential impacts to aquatic life (including fishes) in the vicinity of the site, water pollution and impacts to air quality.
The review included consideration of the potential inpacts of fish entrapment in the water intake structure; entrainment of small fish, fish eggs and other small aquatic organisms in the plant cooling water; gas bubble disease; and thermal effects of plant discharge water on aquatic organisms, including the effects of rapid changes in the water temperature during plant startup and shutdown.
The conseque' ices of these impacts on aquatic organisms were included as one of many environmental costs that were balanced against the potential benefits of constructing and operating the plant.
l Air pollution from the operation of auxiliary boilers and emergency diesel generators was considered in the review.
Their operation will meet Federal and State air pollution regulations. Water pollution by plant chemicals (such as chlorine for cleaning the cooling system, acids and bases) and sar.itary wastes were considered in the environmental review. Liquid effluents from the plant during operation will be treated prior to release in accordance with requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Because EPA is specifically charged with proter. ting aquatic life, the NRC coordinated that aspect of our environmental review closely with the EPA review.
8007230Q2-
JUL 151980 l'r. Shawn King i Potential effects of radiation on plant workers and residents were considered.
Social and economic effects of population relocations, including needs for police, fire, health and education services were analyzed. The risks of harmful effects on the people working in the plant and people living in the vicinity of the plant were included in the balance of environmental costs against potential benefits.
No fish kills associated with the construction of the Seabrook Station have been brought to the attention of the NRC. The State of New Hampshire Fish and Game
- Department has also advised us that they are unaware of any fish kill in the site vicinity.
j Before PSC will be allowed to operate the Seabrook Station, they must apply to NRC for an Operating License. At that time we will review any new information that may concern the potential environmental irspact of plant operation. When I
we receive the application for the Operating License we will publish a notice in the Federal Register advising the public of the manner in which they may participate in the NRC's license application review process. We anticipate that the environmental review of the Operating License application will begin in the summer of 1981.
Thank you for expressing your concerns.
i Sincergly
'd b'I B. J. You gblood, Chief Licen ing' Branch No. 1 Division of Licensing i