ML19343A367
| ML19343A367 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 08/27/1980 |
| From: | Snyder B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Clay R AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19343A368 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8009170283 | |
| Download: ML19343A367 (2) | |
Text
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QY OR) A UNITED STATES
- [_
i NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 3i E
Wi HINGTON. D. C. 20555
\\...../
Mr. Richard V. Clay 15 Shellie Street j
Lebanon, Pennsylvania 17042
Dear Mr. Clay:
Your letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Comission in Middletown regarding the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere from the Three Mile Island nuclear station has been referred to me for response.
Metropolitan Ecison Company submitted to NRC a " Safety Anslysis and Environ-mental Report" (November 13, 1979) in which it evaluated alternative methods for the disposal of the krypton gases, such as purging, cryogenic processing, 1
and selective absorption. NRC also evaluated alternative methods for disposai of the krypton gas to determine what effect decontamination would have on workers, on public health and safety, and on the environment. Based on its evaluation, NRC issued an environmental assessment (NUREG-0662 and two addenda) for public comment on March 26, 1980, and received approximately 800 comments.
l These comments were considered in the staff's preparation of the " Final En-vironmental Assessment for Decontamination of the Three Mile Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Atmosphere" (NUREG-0662), vols.1 and 2, copies of which are enclosed for your infomation.
From this process have emerged the following NRC staff conclusions:
- The potential physical health impact on the public of using any of the proposed strategies for removing the krypton-85 is negligible.
- The potential psychological impact is,likely to grow the longer it takes to reach a decision, get started, and complete the process.
- The purging method is the quickest and the safest for the workers on Three Mile Island to accomplish.
- Overall, no significant environmental impact would result from use of any of the alternatives discussed in the assessment.
On June 12, 1980, the Commission issued an Order for Temporary Modification of License, authorizing controlled purging of the krypton-85 from the reactor building atmosphere. In a separate Memorandum and Order, also issued on June 12, the Commission discussed rationale for its decision. Actual venting opera-tions began on June 28, 1980, and were completed on July 11, 1980. Copies of both Commission issuances are also enclosed.
B0 09170 Y
p Mr. Richard V. Clay With regard to your comment urging revocation of Metropolitan Edison Company's operating license, the Commission has ordered that a public hearing be con-ducted to determine whether TMI-1 should be operated and, if so, under what conditions the restart would take place. Prior to start of the hearings, the NRC staff will conduct a review of technical information concerning the restart of Unit 1.
As part of this review, the NRC staff will conduct meetings with the licensee in the presence of the public, and the public will be given the opportunity to raise questions and to make statements. During the hearing, the technical issues that are appropriate to assure the public health and safety will also be addressed.
In addition, the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board has indicated that NRC should consider the psychological impact of future operation on the nearby communities. A copy of the Commission Order that outlines the issues to be considered is also enclosed for your infomation.
As for Unit 2, the licensee has not yet submitted to the NRC a proposal for overall plant recovery, although the licensee is conducting feasibility studies.
It is not possible at this time to detemine when such proposals for recovery may be submitted or how much time will be needed for the required reviews and approvals in connection with Unit 2's recovery.
I would note, however, that the licensee's authority to operate Unit 2, except for thnse actions necessary to keep the reactor shut down, was suspended by Order of July 20, 1979.
In its Statement of Policy and Notice of Intent to Prepare a Programmatic En-vironmental Impact Statement of November 21, 1979, the Commission stated that the staff would prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement on the decontamination and disposal of radioactive wastes resulting from the accident at Three Mile Island Unit 2.
The statement emphasizes the Commission's inten-tion to coordinate its actions on this matter with the President's Council on Environmental Quality and to provide the opportunity for public comments. The programmatic environmental impact statement will focus on the environmental issues and alternative methods associated with the perfomance of these cleanup activities.
We appreciate your concerns and assure you that every effort is being made to ensure the continued protection of the health and safety of the public.
Sincerely, J
U
/# M Bernard J. Snyder, Program Director Three Mile Island Program Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
1.
NUREG-0662, vols. 1 & 2 2.
Order for Temporary Modification of License of June 17, 1980 3.
Memorandum and Order of June 12, 1980 4
Order and Notice of Hearing of August 9,1979
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