ML20147C312

Requests Review of 771107 Preliminary Safety Eval in Light of Possible New Geological Evidence Which May Affect the Safety of Bldg 102,which Houses the Plutonium Labs

ML20147C312
Person / Time
Site:	07000754, Vallecitos  File:GEH Hitachi icon.png
Issue date:	12/04/1978
From:	Stark F HOUSE OF REP.
To:	Casey Smith NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
References
NUDOCS 7812180229
Download: ML20147C312 (1)

Text

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CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D.C. 2'0515 December 4, 1978 3-N[ pg , 1, s

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Dr. Clifford V. Smith, Director M #

Office of Nuclear Materials, Safety and Safeguards

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Nuclear Regulatory Commission g s Washington, D. C. 20555 Co g

Dear Dr. Smith:

On October 24, 1977, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ordered the shutdown of the General Electric Test Reactor (GETR) at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center. This facility is located within the district I represent in Congre s s.

I felt that this action was necessary in light of the disturbing evidence of geologic faults in the area of the reactor discovered by the U. S. Geologic S urvey. It is my understanding that since the shutdown of GETR extensive trenching has been conducted at the site in an effort to determine the specific geologic conditions which exist at Vallecitos. As you know, I have been in touch with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on numerous occasions regarding the importance of public hearings and the expeditiour release of a Final Safety Evaluation Report on the test reactor.

I am now writing regarding the safe operation of Building 102, which houses the plutonium laboratories. I am aware of the fact that the ability of this building to withstand an earthquake was studied by the NRC in November, 1977. According to the Preliminary Safety Evaluation issued at that time, the building did not pose any problems to the health and safety of those people living in the Bay Area. I am concerned, however, that more recent findings may have called into question that earlier determination.

For this reason, I am requesting that the Preliminary Safety Evaluation dated' November 7,1977 be exhaustively reviewed in light of any new evidence regarding the geologic conditions at Vallecitos, and that the appropriate actions be taken immediately to ensure the safety of those who reside in the area. I would appreciate it if I could be briefed on this matter at the earliest possible date.

Sin e elv 7812180 M ' Q -

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Fortney I . Stark, Jr.

FES:nas /g Member of Congress THis STATIONERY PRINTEo oN PAPER MADE WITH REcVCLEo FIBERS