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November 12, 1981 l
OPPICE OF THE I
ComuissioNen 1
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Ms. See Rutherford P. O. 883 4
Guerneville', CA 95446
Dear Ms. Rutherford:
Thank you very much for your letter regarding Diablo Canyon. The i
recent Comission decision authorizing low-power testing and fuel loading i
is only the first step in Comission review of this plant. Specifically, the earthquake-related issues that distinguish Diablo Canyc.7 from most l
other nuclear units have not yet been addressed in detail by the Comission.
They will be reviewed before operation above five percent power is j
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 50 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.
Sincerely, Peter A. Bradford Comissioner e
80410 444 PUN.
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