ML20196K647

Comment Supporting Proposed Rule 10CFR50 Re Emergency Planning & Preparedness Requirements for Nuclear Power Plant Fuel Loading & Initial Low Power Operations

ML20196K647
Person / Time
Site:	Pilgrim, Seabrook, 05000000, Shoreham
Issue date:	06/22/1988
From:	Mcmickle R AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
To:	NRC OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY (SECY)
References
FRN-53FR16435, RULE-PR-50 53FR16435-01289, 53FR16435-1289, NUDOCS 8807070061
Download: ML20196K647 (2)

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' .. Page 1 of 2 e M1 NUMUER /gM ccoom> Rutg ~ P. O. Box 2142 Seabrook, NH 03674 (53FR/4,Yypyy June 22, 1988

'88 WN 23 P7 :09 Secretary of the Commission W!O e - .-

Attn: Docketing and Service kY M g y' 4 0 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Secretary:

As a resident of the seacoast area of New Hampshire, I consider the Seabrook plant to be a safe, clean source of electric power. The plant is needed to supply the New England grid, which furnishes power to all of New England and surrounding areas.

The Commission should take the actions needed to issue Seabrook a low-power license and following that, within a few months, to issue a full-power license.

Certainly one of the needed actions is for the Commission ta modify its rules so that the issuance of a low-power testing license does not require the plant to tastall the same full-scale public notification system that is required for full-power operation. The Commission itself has determined that the risk to public health and safety from low-power operation at any nuclear power plant is significantly lower than at full power.

Considerations that support the licensing of the Seabrook plant include the following:

o Seabrook has a double containment; the only containment of that strength in the United States.

o Seabrook has exceptionally well trained operators who have been taught through a job performacne based training process that meets INP0 accreditation requirements. The plant's shift crews have a greater proportion of senior licensed operators than do the crews at most other pl ants.  !

e Seabrook has a well trained and drilled emergency preparedness organization ,

that is supported by coordination with the safety groups of the state of l New Hampshire. Seabrook emergency preparedness groups also function in Massachusetts.  :

o A fully operational siren notification system exists in New Hampshire and l a mobile siren system has been constructed on a fleet of trucks to be i driven to Massachusetts towns to transmit emergency notification. l A fully operational 24-hour Emergency Broadcast System has been completed.

This system is backed by emergency power. The system will provide emergency information to towns in New Hampshire and Massachusetts which are endangered by any emergency.

i L

8807070061 880622 l PDR PR e 50 53FR16435 PDR yI 1h

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Page 2 of 2 o Seabrook power is needed in New England w.th the cancellation of Shoreham and the extended outage of the Pilgrim plant.

• Fossil fuels, which are the only real alternative to nuclear power, produce acid rain and air pollution. Coal-fired plants have unsightly storage piles for fuel and ash.

• The alternative of importing power from Canada creates a drain on the nation's already hard pressed currency.

• Abandonment of nucler power would increase dependence on oil, particularly .

on the small, diesel plant concept supported by PURPA. The small plants are more costly on a per kilowatt basis and are difficult to control in grid operation. Consequently, their power is less reliable. Reitance on oil will create difficulties when oil prices rise. Increases in oil prices will occur soon due to the potentially short so) ply of oil in the world, o Politicians are deceiving the oublic about the dangers of nuclear power simply to gain office. The Commission should be impartial, above the machinations of politicians.

I urge that the Commission approve the licensing of Seabrook.

Sincerely, f ke4 p Robert H. McMickle Dsao