ML19329G026
| ML19329G026 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 06/06/1980 |
| From: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Gray W AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8007110483 | |
| Download: ML19329G026 (9) | |
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JUN 6 1980 Mr. W. D. Gray, Chairman Board of Supervisors Richmond County Virginia Warsaw, Virginia 22572
Dear Mr. Gray:
Thank you for sending the Chairman ;bf the Nuclear Regulatory Commission a copy of the resolution on nuclear power adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Richmond County on May 8, 1980.
Af ter the accident at Three Mile Island, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission decided not to license new nuclear power plants until criteria for improved safety had been developed.
The TMI accident has shown that there is a need for improvements in the approach to safety. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission ha,s fcund that actions recommended by its own staff and by the President's Commission on the accident at Three Mile Island in the areas of human factors, operational safety, emergency planning, nuciear power plant design and siting, health effects, and public information are necessary and feasible.
Interim measures have been taken, and an Action Plan has been developed that includes other safety improvements, detailed criteria for their implementation, and various imple:rentation deadlines.
Meanwhile, in order to avoid unnecessary delafs, the Commissioners have approved the issuance of NRC licenses for three nuclear power units to load fuel and, under specific conditions, to operate at low power levels for testing.
The Nuclear P > alatory Commission is working with the nuclear industry to ensure the pubile health and safety at all nuclear power plants that are currently in operation or that may start operating in the future.
Any plants that are found to be unsafe will not be allowed to operate.
With regard to the development of a nuclear waste disposal program, this is l
treated in the enclosed message of February 12, 1980, to the Congress from the President concerning the establishment of a comprehensive radioactive waste management program.
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Mr. W. D. Gray
. JUN 6 1980 As to providing the public with accurate information about nuclear power, much effort is being devoted to this.
Examples are the Report of the President's Commission on the Accident at Three Mile Island, a report on Three Mile island by a Special. inquiry Group of the Nuclear Regulatory Conunission, and numerous other NRC reports and hews releases on all aspects of the regulation of nuclear
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power plants. The Annual Report of the NRC summarizes its activities; the issue for 1979 will be published soon.
Sincerely, A
Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosure:
Feb. 12 message to Congress s
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I February 12, 1980
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TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATESs t
. Today I am establishing. this" Nation's first comprehensive radioactive waste management program. My paramount objective in managing nuclear wastes is to protect the health and safety I
I share this cf all Americans, bothsnow and in the future.
i responsibility with elected officials at all levels of our government. Our citizens have a deep concern that the beneficial uses.of nuclear technology, including the generation g
of electricity, not be allowed to imperil public health or j
i safety now or in the future.
For more than 30 years, radioactive wastes have been generated by programs for national defense, by the commercial 4
nuclear power program, and by a variety of medical, industrial i
and research activities. Yet past governmental efforts to
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manage radioactive wastes have not been technically adequate.
Moreover, they have failed to involve successfully the States, g
local governments, and the public in policy or program decisions.
My actions today lay the foundation for both a technically superior program and a full cooperative Federal-State partner-ship to ensure public confidence in a vaste management program.
I My program is consistent with the broad consensus that has evolved from the ef forts of the Interagency Review Group on Radioactive Waste Management (IRG) which I established The IRG findings and analysis were comprehensive, thorough and widely reviewed by public, industry and citizen groups, i
State and local governments, and members of the Congress.
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Evaluations of the scientific and technical analyses were
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scientific com= unity. The final recommendations benefited
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obtainea thr_ough a broad and rigorous peer review by the H
from and reflect this input.
My objectIive is to establish a comprahensive program My g,
for the management of all types of radicactive vastes.
I policies and programs establish sechanisms to ensure that elected officials and the public fully participate in waste decisions, and direct Federal departments and agencies to i;
implement a waste management strategy which is safe, technically sound, conservative, and open to continuous public review.
,t This approach will help ensure that we will reach our objective -- the safe storage and disposal of all forms of nuclear waste.
e Our primary objective is to isolate existing and future I
radioactive waste from military and civilian activities from e"
the biosphere and pose no significant threat to public health b
The responsibility for resolving military and and safety.
civilian waste management problems shall not be deferred to future generations. The technical program must meet all relevant radiological protection criteria as well as all other applicable regulatory requirements. This effort must proceed regardless of future developments within the nuclear industry --
Its future size, and resolution of specific fuel cycle and reactor design issues. The specific steps outlined below are each aimed at accomplishing this overall objective.
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First,'my 'Ad$fiistration is committed to providing an effec-tive role f or State and local governments in the develepzent and implementation of our nuclear wa3te canagement program. I am therefore taking the following actions:
By Executive Order I am establishing a State Planning o
Council which will strengthen our intergovernmental relationships and help fulfill our joint responsibility to protect public health and safety in radioactive waste catters. I have asked Governor Riley of South Carolina to serve as Chaircan of the Council. The Council will have a tothA of 19 ce=bers: 15 who are Governors or other elected officials, and 4 from the Executive, departments and agencies. It will advise the Executive Branch and work with the Congress to address radioactive waste managecent issues, such as planning and siting, construction, and operation of facilities. I will submit legislation during this session to make the Council permanent.
In the past,. States have not played an adequate part o
in the waste manage =ent planning process -- for example, in the evaluation and location of potential waste disposal sites. The States need better access to information and expanded opportunity to guide waste canagement planning. Our relationship with the States will be based on the principle of consultation and concurrence in the siting of high level vaste reposi-tories. Under the framework of consultation and I
concurrence, a host State will have a continuing
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role in Federal decisionmaking on the siting, design and construction of a high level. waste repository.
State consultation and concurrence, however, will lead to an acceptable solution to our waste disposal problem only if all the States participate as partners in the program I am putting forth. The safe disposal of radioactive waste, defense and co=mercial, is a national, not just a Federal, responsibility.
o I as directing the Secretary of Energy to provide financial and technical assistance to States and other jurisdictions to facilitate the full participation of State and local government in review and licensing proceedings.
Second, for disposal of high level radioactive waste, I am adopting an interim planning strategy focused on the use of mined geologic repositories capable of accepting both vaste from reprocessing and unreprocessed coc=ercial spent fuel.
An interim strategy is needed since final decisions on many steps which need to be taken should be preceded by a full environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.
In its search for suitable sites for high level vaste repositories, the Department of Energy has mounted an expanded and diversified program of geologic investigations that recognizes the importance of the interaction among geologic setting, repository host rock, waste form and other engineered barriers on a site-specific basis. Icmediate attention will fo'eus on research and development.and on locating and characterizing a number of potential repository sites in a variety of different geologic environmente vitt diverse rock types. When four to five sites have been evaluated and found potentially suitable, one or more will be selected for further development as a licensed full-scale repository.
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3 It is impor' ta' nt to stress the following two pointre because the suitability of a geologic disposal site can beFirst, evaluations, actual sites and their geologic environments be carefully examined.
will proceed.in a careful step-by-step manner.Second, the development of a Experience and information gained at each phase will be reviewed and p'roceed with the next stage of development. evaluated to deter We should be ready to select the site for the first full-scale repository by about 1985 and have it operational by the mid-1990's.
should accept both defense ant commercial wastes.For reas Consistent with my' decision to expand and diversify the Department of Energy's program of geologic investigation before selecting a specific site for repository development, I have decided that the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant project should be cancelled.'
unlicensed dispoIhis project is currently authorized for the defense program, sal of transuranic waste from our National and for research and development using high level defense waste.
This project is inconsistent with my policy that all repos tories for highly radioactive waste be licensed ar.d that they accept both defense and commercial wastes.
for this project, will continue to be evaluated along withT other sites in other parts of the country.
it will be reserved as one of several candidate sites for If qualified, high level wastes.possible use as a licensed repository for defense and comme in the commercial nuclear waste program for protection andMy fis continued investigation of the Carlsbad site.
is important that we take the time to compare the New Mexice Finally, it i
site with other sites now under evaluation for the first waste r eposi tory.
Over the next five years carry out an aggressive progra, the Department of Energy will and repository design and construction including seve experimental, retrievable emplacements in test facilities.
This supporting research and development program will call upon the knowledge and experience of the Nation's very best people in science, engineering and other fields of learning and will include participation of universities, industry, and the government departments, agencies,'and national laboratories is available, waste must and will continue to be cared fo safely.
the Department of Energy will ensure close and meticulous' control over defense waste facilities which are vital to our national security.
storage of these wastes as long.as necessary and to makingI adequate funding available for that purpose.
We will also' sites that will lead the processing, packaging, and ultimatep transfer to a permanent repository of the transuranic wastes from defense programs. high level and a responsibility of the utilities.In contrast, storage of commercial spent I want to stress that interim apent fuel storage capacity is not~ an alternative to permanent disposal.
i However, adequate atorage is necessary more (CVER) t
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,I until repositoriet;are available. I urge the utility industry I
to continue to take all actions necessary to store spent fuel in a manner that will protect the public and ensure efficient and safe operation of power reactors. However, a limited 1
amount of government storage capacity would provide flexibility
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to our national waste disposal program and an alternative
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for those utilities which are unable to expand their storage capabilities.
I reiterate the need for early enactment of my proposed spent nuclear fuel legislation. This propesal would authorize the Department of Energy tor.(l F design, acquire or construct, and operate one or more away-from-reactor storage facilities, and (2) accept for storage, until permanent disposal facilities are available, domesti'c spent fuel, and a limited amount of foreign spent fuel in cases when such action would further our non-proliferation policy objectives. All costs of storage, including the cost of locating, constructing and operating permanent geologic repositories, will be recovered through fees paid by utilitie.s and other users of the services and will ultimately be borne by those who benefit from the activities generating the wastes.
Fourth, I have directed the Department of Energy to work jointly with states, other government agencies, industry and other organizations, and the public, in developing national plans to establish regional disposal sites for commercial low level waste. We must work together to resolve the serious near-term problem of low level waste disposal. While this task is not inherently difficult from the sta-dpoint of l
safety, it requires better planning and coordination. I endorse the actions being taken by the Nation's governors to tackle this problem and direct the Secretary of Energy to work with them in support of their effort.
Fifth, the Federal programs for regulating radioactive waste storage, transportation and disposal are a crucial com-ponent of our efforts to ensure the health and safety of Americans. Although the existing authorities and structures are basically sound, improvements must be made in several areas. The current authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to license the disposal of high level warte and low level waste in commercial facilities should be extended to include spent fuel storage, and disposal of transuranic waste and non-defense low level waste in any new government facilities. I am directing the Environmental Protection Agency to consult with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to resolve issues of overlapping jurisdiction and phasing of regulatory actions. They should also seek ways to speed up the promulgation of their safety regulations. I an also 1
directing the Department of Transportation and the Environ -
mental Protection Agency to leprove both the efficiency of their regulatory activities and their relationships with other Federal agencies and state and local governments.
Sixth, it is essential that all aspects of the waste management program be conducted with the fullest possible disclosure to and participation by the public and the technical community. I an directing the departments and agencies to develop and improve mechanisms to ensure such participation and public involvement consistent with the need to protect l
national security information. The waste management program i
will be carried out in full compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
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5 Seventh, beca5se nuclear waste management is a problem I
shared by many other countries and decisions on waste manage-i ment alternatives have nuclear proliferation implications, I will continue to encourage and suppert bilateral and multi-lateral efforts which advance both our technical capabilities and our understanding of spent fuel and waste management options, Which are consistent with our non-proliferation policy.
In its role as lead agency for the management and disposal of radioactive wastes and with cooperation of the other relevant Federal agencies, the Department.of Energy is preparing a detailed National Plan for F flear Waste Management to imple-ment these policy guidell..e 2nd the other recommendations of the IRG. This Plan will,? ovide a clear road map for all parties and will give the public an opportunity to review tne entirety of our program. It will include specific program goals and milestones for all aspects of nuclear waste manage-ment. A draft'bf the comprehensive National Plan will be distributed by the Secretary of Energy later this year for public and Congressidnal review. The State Planning Council 4
I will be directly involved in the development of this plan.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission now has underway an important proceeding to provide the Nation with its judgment on whether or not it has confidence that radioactive wastes produced by nuclear power reactors can and will be-disposed of safely. I urge that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission do ao in a thorough and timely manner and that it provide a full opportunity for public, technical and government agency participation.
Over the past two years as I have reviewed various aspects of the rsdicactive waste problem, the complexities and diffi-culties of the issues have become evident -- both from a technical and, more importantly, from an institutional and political perspective. However, based on the technical con-clusions reached by the IRG, I as persuaded that the capability now exists to characterize and evaluate a number of geologic environments for use as repositories built with conventional mining technology. We have already made substantial progress and changes in our programs. With this comprehensive policy and its implementation through the FY 1981 budget and other actions, we will complete the task of reorienting our efforts in the right direction. Many citizens know and all must under-stand that this problem will be with us for anny years. We must proceed steadily and with determination to resolve the remaining technical issues while ensuring full public partici-pation and maintaining the full cooperation of all levels of government. We will act surely and without delay, but
>e will not compromise our technical or scientific standards out of baste. I look forward to working with the Congress I
and the states to implement this policy and build publio confidence in the ability of the government to do what is required in this area to protect the health and safety of our citizens.
J1HMY CARTER THE WHITE HOUSE, I
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/4 Warsaw. Virginia 22572
- " 8' Board of Supervisors as A. nema vi csi stoneimen Meyneries o,nric' Warsaw, Virginia 22572
"i a T "'a' Rt.1 Warsaw,Virpnea 22572 Commonwealth Attorney Warsaw. Virginia 22572 amenen W. Damesem Fernham Mapsterial Gistrict Rt.1, F ernhem, Virynia 22460 L i. a. Peak,t
- Marshall Mapsterial District
- t Warsaw.vireni 22572
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VIRGINIA:
At a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Richmond County hold on the 8th day of May in the County Office Building at Warsaw, Virginia at 10,04 A.M.
Present:
W. D. Gray, Chairman James A, Heflin. Vice-Chairman Milton W. Douglas i
Louis G.
Packett Upon motion by James A.
Heflin, duly seconded by Louis G.
- Packett, cnd unanimously carried,the following resolution was adopted:
RE: SUPPORT FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors of Richmond County, Virginia is deeply concerned that the present policy of producing electric energy in too dependent upon the use of oil which is both costly and limited in supply, and WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors of Richmond County recognizes the importance of using nuclear produced power that is far less expensive and not subject to a limited supply, and WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors contends that power and energy in abundant supply are necessary for the continued growth and security of our nation and the economic well being of its citizens and that nuclear energy must be allowed to play a significant role as an energy source for the fcaeseeable future if any measurable degree of self suf ficiency in the production of power and energy required for these purposed is to ba attained.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Richmond County, Virginia, does hereby, in order to accomplish the fore-going, urge that:
(1) the moratorium on nuclear power plant licensing be lifted.
l (2) licensing procedures for nuclear plants be simplified and shortened.
(3) the Federal government agressively proceed with the development of a nuclear waste disposal program.
NOND COUNTY yyk
. w.c. ver,v o,ey, w n.e" tmiam A.eett WWushington Magisterial Destrict County Administrator Mt. 3.Wersaw, Verynia 22572 4
fg[4 Warsaw, Virgin. 22572 8 '- * *'
Board Of Supervisors h A. Wein, Vies h stonmestnewnenes Detnet Warsaw, Virginia 22572
""== T "'as Rt.1 Warsaw. Virginia 22572 Comrnonwealth Attorney Warsaw, Virgini 22572 hedsen W. Dougies Farnhem Mee sterial District f.t.1, Fernham, Veryni 22460 Louis G. Peckett Marshall Magisteri.I District Warsaw, Virginia 22572 (4) all appropriate agencies of the Federal government work with the nuclear industry in a cooperative effort to achieve the ultimate in safety of design construction, and operation of nuclear facilities, (5) the Federal government assume its responsibility for providing the American people with accurate.snd true information about nuclear power.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be mailed to the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Senator Harry F.
- Byrd, Ssnator John Warner, Congressman Paul Trible, State Senator John Chichister and Delegate Calvin G. Sanford.
M
- / fz A true copy, teste
su W11Y1am /A, Pruitt, Cbunty Administrator l
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