ML20148B404

Responds to Ltr to President Carter Re TMI-2 Incident.No Possibility of Explosion Occurring at Nuclear Power Plant Accident

ML20148B404
Person / Time
Site:	Three Mile Island
Issue date:	01/08/1980
From:	Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:	Oland D AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
References
NUDOCS 8001220205
Download: ML20148B404 (2)

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[ g NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION g ., 3p WASHINGTON. D. C. 20555 s...../ JAN 8 1980 Ms. Dana Olan 418 Old Courthouse Ro.

Hanhasset Hills, NY 11040

Dear Dana:

I am writing in response to your letter to President Carter regarding the incident at Three Mile Island. I regret that this answer to your letter has been delayed. The accident and its consequences have created a substantial increase in the agency's workload, which has prevented us from responding to you as promptly as we would have liked to.

Regarding your question about the possibility of the Three Mile Island Plant blowing up, there was no possibility of a nuclear explosion such as that which happens in a bomb. Furthermore, you may be assured that there is no possibility of such an explosion occurring in a nuclear power plant accident.

For a few days after the accident there was some concern that a hydrogen bubble which was present in the reactor vessel might react explosively with the oxygen which was thought to be slowly accumulating in the bubble. There was concern that such a chemical explosion might allow escape of large amounts of radioactive materials. However, after further discussion and consultation with experts it was realized that such an explosion could not occur as essentially no oxygen would accumulate in the bubble so it is not true that the plant was going to blow up.

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, not only at the Three Mile Island Stat. ion, but also at all nuclear power plants.

Sincerely, A

Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation 90028348 80 01 e '2 0 2 6

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