ML20204H144

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Expresses Serious Reservations Re Facility Entombment During Emergencies.Encl HR Denton Ltr Mentions No Emergency Entombment Studies Have Been Made by Nrc.Immediate Investigation Requested
ML20204H144
Person / Time
Site: Seabrook NextEra Energy icon.png
Issue date: 02/17/1987
From: Weddle M
NEW HAMPSHIRE, STATE OF
To: Zech L
NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
Shared Package
ML20204H077 List:
References
NUDOCS 8703260561
Download: ML20204H144 (2)


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l NOU5'EOF REPRESENTATIVES CONCORD February 17, 1987 Lando W. Zech, Jr., Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Commission Matomic Building 1717 H Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20555

Dear Mr. Zech:

I am writing in regard to nuclear power projects and whether or not they can be entombed during energencies. In particular, I have serious reservations regarding the Seabrook plant.

Please find enclosed a copy of a letter received on my behalf from NRC Director, Harold R. Denton. Clearly, as mentioned in Mr. Denton's second paragraph, no emergency entombment studies have been made by the NRC. This, to say the least, is bothersome.

Entombment proved to be the Soviet's saving grace when meeting the challenge of the accident at Chernobyl. At that time, workers dug 20-foot wide tunnels beneath the troubled core and filled them with cement, thereby preventing a penetration of meltdown.

It is my understanding that nuclear power plants in our nation are constructed on varying geological foundations. Thus, each facility might have particular needs which would facilitate an emergency entombment. The Seabrook plant, for instance, is situated on some bedrock that is reported to be cracked, fiasured and located deep within the midst of an active oceanic marshland.

Further, Seabrook workers have informed me that it is not easy to dig a dry hole when performing subterranean work at the plant. Could such a condition, in fact, inhibit an emergency entombment response? Studies should be done on this.

I would like to see an immediate investigation on whether or not the Seabrook nuclear power project can be entombed under emergency conditions and respectfully request that you use the powers of your office in order to assure that one is begun.

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' gi' 'u I am further concerned that a massive release of radioactivity on the N. H.

Seacoast would force our country to deactivate military operations at nearby

' Pease AFB and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Are there.enough protective radiation suits'available to sustain these vital military operations in the event of a serious accident at the Seabrook facility?

I look forward to hearing from you on these matters and appreciate your time and consideration.

Very truly yours, M

Michael Weddle State Representative Enclosure t

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