ML20153B971
Text
p' s
i.3
( )
. =.g*e UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
}
w AsHINGToN. D.C. 20668
{
October 13, 1981 CPFICE oF TNE comanssiowEm Mr. John Wiebusch 2456 Roscomare Road Los Angeles, CA 90077
Dear Mr. Wiebusch:
Thank you very much for.your letter regarding Diablo Canyon. The recent Comission decision authorizing low-power testing and fuel leading 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 Comission.
They will be reviewed before operation above five percent power is authorized.
While it may have some symbolic importance, a decision to authorize low-power testing poses very little danger to the public. The power level is so low that the operators have more than ample 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, 1
Sincerely f
Peter A. Bradford Comissioner I
l
.I i
i I
l 8805060120 880418 i
-