ML20206H155
| ML20206H155 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Seabrook  |
| Issue date: | 04/03/1987 |
| From: | Humphrey G SENATE |
| To: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| References | |
| CON-#287-3060 OL, NUDOCS 8704150274 | |
| Download: ML20206H155 (2) | |
Text
ar 30(4 aco 4
p y w,;
e
=.e,.2.-
11Ritti $tatts $tR8tt
.m x,re -
m WASHINGTON, DC 2oS10
!JWid April 3, 1987-87 APR -9 P1 :48
[0CNih.:. k 5
The Honorable Lando W. Zech, Jr.
bM
Chairman i
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 1717 H Street, N.W.
SERVED APR.9 g-3 Washington', D.C.
20555 4
Dear Chairman Zech:
I as writing regarding the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board's Partial Initial Decision of March 25 authorizing issuance of a low-power operating license for the Seabrook 4
nuclear plant subject to certain technical conditions.
Although I am aware that 10 CFR 50.47(d) establishes that off-site emergency preparedness is not required for 1
issuance of a low-power license due to the low safety risk associated with operation at or below 55 of rated power, I 3'
call to your attention unique considerations at the Seabrook i
Plant.
i 4
i Practically speaking, a decision on full-power licensing-for Seabrook is many months away.
No doubt, the licensing process will be appealed at every step.
Some say that the i
owners could well enter bankruptcy before the licensing and
~ appeals processes run their course.
That raises questions l
about the ultimate destiny of Seabrook.
In the event that a plant which has been allowed to operate at low-power never receives a full-power license, the cost of plant conversion for alternative use would increase significantly due to the high cost of clean-up.
The Commission is currently considering ALAB-853 to consider "whether as a matter of law or policy a utility applicant should be required to submit a radiological imergency TIvn iitt'hwr i inernavut11 W D vn17,7 plan) Tor the entire emergency planning zone (EPZ) for the facility before any operating license may be issued."
1 I would ask that the Commission also give serious consideration to the issue as to whether a plant should be i
contaminated by virtue of low-power operation before all 8704150274 870403 PDR ADOCK 05000443 G
PDR ist m sisese j
YE"ees '
EE
$d
)
The Honorable Lando W. Zech, Jr.
l April 3, 1987 Page Two i
~
major obstacles to full-power operation have been cleared.
I believe that it is unreasonable to fire-up a nuclear facility when significant issues regarding full-power operation remain unresolved.
With warmest regards, I am Sincerely yours, 1
l Gordon Humph ey, US GJH/jc
,-r-
---w ry-
-