ML20009C705

Comments on Facility Des.Fes Should Explain Basis for Assumption That Molten Core,After melt-through of Containment,Would Solidify & Cease Moving Immediately Below Basemat & at 35 Meters Above Twin Mountains Aquifer

ML20009C705
Person / Time
Site:	Comanche Peak
Issue date:	07/17/1981
From:	INTERIOR, DEPT. OF
To:	Youngblood B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
ER-81-1085, NUDOCS 8107210381
Download: ML20009C705 (2)

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'y B. J. Youngblood, Chief

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Licensing Branch No. 1 Division of Licensing

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. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Mr. Youngblood:

Thank you for your letter of May 26, 1981, transmitting copies of the draft environmental impact statement, operating license stage, for Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2, Somervell County, Texas. Our comments are presented according to the format of the statement or by subject.

Releases to Groundwater It is stated on page 5-59 that ground-water gradients (apparently water-table gradients) would all be toward the center of the peninsula where the nuclear station is located or flat at the altitude of the Squaw Creek Reservoir. We suggest that the normal regional water-table gradients should be discussed, to aid in impact analysis, and that movement of water in the shallow aquifers should be considered in the final statement.

The final statement should explain the basis for the assumption that a molten core, after a melt-through of the containment, would solidify and cease moving immediately below the basemat and at least 35 meters above the Twin Mountains aquifer. The transfer of heat from the molten core to the rocks between the basemat

-and the Twin Mountains aquifer probably will result in many physical changes in the rocks, including extensive fracturing. Therefore, the statement should consider more thorou;hly the possible impacts that might result. Water in the artesi?. Twin Mountains aquifer might be enabled to migrate upward through fractures in the altered overlying rocks.

Recreation We encourage the applicant to continue in its search for a governmental or regulatory agency to provide for public recrea-tional use of that portion of Squaw Creek Reservoir (SCR) that Co o'A 3

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$i B. J. Youngblood, Chief 2 would be without restriction. By its own admission, the applicant recognizes the "SCR is a desirable recreational and water resource, where such resources are scarce." However, the applicant has failed to adequately describe the recreation environment in the project area from the standpoint of hectares available for public recreation, use, supply, needs and deficiencies. More information should be provided on what types of recreational activities could be accommodated in the non-restricted areas.

We recommend that the applicant and the State of Texas formalize the recreation plans soon and provide the results of their coordination in the final statement.

We hope these comments will be helpful to you in the preparation of a final statement.

ncerely, i

JA Acting Deputy A istant SECRETARY l

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