ML20058D559
| ML20058D559 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Midland |
| Issue date: | 07/23/1982 |
| From: | Sinclair M SINCLAIR, M.P. |
| To: | Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8207270202 | |
| Download: ML20058D559 (3) | |
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,1 7: 7,39 UNITED STATES OF AMERIC A NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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Before the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board t
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\\i In the Matter of:
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Docket Nos. 50-329,
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CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY
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,. 50-330e o'
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(Midland Plant, Units 1 and 2)
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Operatine License ADDITIONAL NEW CONTENTIONS BY MARY P. SINCLAIR July 23,1982 The first set of new contentions were filed on June 18,1982, Nos.1-12.
These additional contentions, Nos.13,14, are filed based on signilleant new information that has recently become available and is directly applicable for consideration in the operating license procedures for the Midland nuclear plant.
- 13. Albert T. Howard, formerly of the Zack Company, has provided a signed affidavit stating that substandard materials have been used in the heating and ventilating system of the Midland nuclear plant that will not be able to with-stand the temperatures and the radioactive and chemical environments that are part of the operating conditions for the Midland nuclear plant. Since these materials that went into the ductwork are built-in all through the plant, including all safety related structures, no assurance can be given for the safe operation of this plant as far as the workers or surrounding population is concerned.
- 14. The issue of synergism between chemicals and radiation (Contention 55, Contentions of Mary Sinclair,1978) must be re-opened based on a new study.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratory, Albuquerque, New Mexico, have con-ducted tests sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on polymer cable insulation and jacketing used in nuclear power containment buildings. (Industrial Research and Development, June,19S2) They have found that long-term low 82o727o2o2 82o723 goanoacnosooog; yC
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J doses of gamma radiation degrades many polymers more than do equal doses administered at higher rates in shorter testing times. Besides the dose rate effect, the researchers have also found that synergistic effects can occur when polymers are exposed to radiation and mildly elevated temperatures. Dr. Roger Clough, of Sandia National Laboratory, has stated that the present testing method underestimates the long-term effects of radiation exposure on polymers by not taking into account dose rate effects and synergisms that display themselves only in longer tests. This study indicates that the useful life of the plant will be shortened considerably because of this problem. It also confirms our earlier contention that chemical compounds such as polymers (and, therefore, human and other biological systems which can also be classed as organic polymers) will be adversely effected through synergistic action with low level radiation to a degree that is much greater than the present standards would indicate. Therefore, this plant's operation will have an unacceptable adverse health effect on the people of this region as well as workers in the plant.
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- Mary P. Sin air cc: James E. Brunner, Esq.
Alan S. Farnell, Esq.
Charles Bechhoefer, Esq.
William Paton, Esq.
Rc'ph S. Decker Wendel H. Marshall Dr. Frederick P. Cowan Barbara Stamiris Jerry Harbour, Esq.
Docketing & Service Section Ronald G. Zamarin, Esq.
Michael I. Miller, Esq.
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Sandla tests find long-term, Scientists at Sandia National Laboratory, Albuquerque, NM, have found low-dose radiation harmful to that long-term, low level doses of gamma radiation degrades many many polymers used in reactors polymers-mainly through embrittlement-more than do equal doses 7
administered at higher rates in shorter testing times. The tests, sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, were conducted en
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%, e polymer cable insulation and jacketing used in nuclear power 1
g containment buildings. Similar materials are used as power plant seals, N
0-rings, and gaskets. Besides the dose rate effect, the researchers also y
/ T found that synergistic effects can occur when polymers are exposed to j
radiation and mildly elevated temperatures. Dr. Roger Clough of Sandia explained that for years it has been assumed that total radiation dose, w,,e e, w r>o < e n r,casm a esen e s ce.. w -em a
fNNSTAIAL RESEAACH & DEVELOPVENT--JUNE 1982 st RlD*
independent of dose rate, governed damage. The present testing method he said," underestimates the long term effects of radiation exposure on,
j polymers by not taking into account dose-rate efTects and syner;: isms i
that display themselves only in longer tests.
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