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'o UNITED STATES 3
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION J
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WASHINGTON. D.C. 20555
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September 22, 1981 0FFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER Ms. Ruth Holtzman 1204 lith Place Hermosa Beach, California 90254
Dear Ms. Holtzman:
Thank you very much.for your letter regarding Diablo Canyon. The recent Comission decision authorizing low-power testing and fuel loading is only the first step in Comission review of this plant. Specifically, the earthquake-related issues that distinguish Diablo Canyon from*most other nuclear units have not yet been addressed in detail by the Commission.
They will be reviewed before operation above five percent power is authorized.
, hile it may have some symbolic importance, a decision to authorize W
low-power testing poses very little danger to the public. The power level is so low that the operators have more than amole time to react to any problems in the plant, and the amount of radioactivity existing in the core does not begin to build up until the plant has operated for quite a while.
Sincerely,
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Peter A. Bradford Comissioner i
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HAMLIN87-444 PDR l
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