ML19351G346

Supports Facility Restart

ML19351G346
Person / Time
Site:	Crane
Issue date:	02/16/1981
From:	Meurer N AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
To:	Ahearne J NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
References
ISSUANCES-SP, NUDOCS 8102230555
Download: ML19351G346 (2)

Text

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O PS February 16, 1981

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Mr James F Ahearne, Chairman 6

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REGUI.ATORY BUREAUCRACY AND DOCIET NO 50-289SP b

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Dear Sir It remains a fact that Three Mile Island (TMI) Unit I has been closed down now for nearly two years by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The accident at TMI has not only closed down Unit 2 but also Unit 1, despite the fact that no damage was done to Unit 1.

In my opinion, it is unfortunate that government bureaucracy has blocked for nearly two years the operation of TMI Unit 1.

This unit remains not only undamaged but it has subsequently been upgraded to higher standards since the incident nearly two years ago.

And yet, even similar plants elsewhere are allowed to operate while this Unit I remains locked and inoperable due to what I feel is discriminatory and irrational government bureaucracy. Again, it remains my feeling that this functional and safe facility should remain unmolested by your federal regulations which continue to exceed reasonableness.

Subsequent to the incident, the utility industry has Tor the most part responded quickly and forcefully to correct any inadequacies shown evident by the accident. As a result, TMI Unit 1, like plants in other locations, is even safer than before it was closed for routine inspection and refueling back in 1979.

The government's decision to keep the undamaged unit closed is not only discriminatory and irrational but unjustified as well. Most Americans and even the residents around TMI favor restarting the undamaged reactor.

The cost of keeping this plant idle must be nearly $500,000 or more a day in added cost due to the purchasing of replacement power such as expensive coal and scarce oil.

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The reasons most citizens are disgusted, to say the least, with government are at least twofold:

first, government does not effectively react to situations except in crisis, and second, government seldom acts in a " limited" rational manner.

As a concerned citizen, I view our country's energy needs and nuclear energy in general as a matter which should be viewed in a more objective manner.

I feel that the operation of Unit I should be put in realistic perspective. We should note the following:

1) TMI Unit I needs to be restarted without further delay; 2) the NRC has waited too long to decide the fate of TMI Unit 1; and (3) nuclear power has proven itself to be safe, economical and needed as an alternative to a dependence on foreign oil.

I feel that the time has come for the NRC to take action and to approve the operation of Unit I without further regulatory delayE Sincerely

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Ned R Meurer 631 Sherman Street Allegan, MI 49010 CC The Honorable Donald W Riegle, Jr US Senator 1207 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Carl Levin US Senator 2113 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Guy A VanderJagt US Representative 2334 Rayburn Building Washington, DC 40515 sks/de oc0281-5611a-59