ML20207B116
| ML20207B116 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Millstone  |
| Issue date: | 05/24/1999 |
| From: | Travers W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | King P HOUSE OF REP. |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9905280122 | |
| Download: ML20207B116 (2) | |
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May 24, 1999 i
The Honorable Peter T. King United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman King:
J l am responding to your notes of April 14,1999, in which you forwarded letters from five of your constituents: Paulette Orlando, Kathy and Theo Demetriades, Kimberly Granelle, and Lena Marra. In your notes, you requested that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) investigate the statements contained in your constituents' letters and forward the necessary information to you sc that you could respond.
in the past several months, the NRC has received numerous letters from elected officials and other citizens from New York State about the Millstone facility. These letters, as well as the letters from your constituents, primarily address three specific issues related to the Millstone nuclear power plants: (1) the lack of an emergency plan for Long Island, New York; (2) a request to disapprove the restart of Millstone Unit 2; and (3) a request to shut down Millstone Unit 3 because of its poor operating history. The NRC staff addressed these issues in previous correspondence with Congressman Michael P. Forbes, which is enclosed for your information.
A number of events have taken place since that letter was sent to Congressman Forbes.
On March 11,1999, the NRC lifted an order requiring independent, third-party oversight of the employee concerns and safety-conscious work environment programs at the Millstone plants.
On the basis of NRC staff's oversight and monitoring of these programs, as well as the oversight and monitoring by an independent consultant, Little Harbor Consultants, the NRC staff determined that the conditions that led to NRC's issuing the order have been corrected and the employee concerns program of the Northeast Nuclear Energy Company (the licensee for Millstone) was acceptable in creating a safety conscious work environment.
On April 14,1999, the Commission held a meeting to discuss the licensee's readiness to restart Millstone Unit 2. During the Commission meeting, the licensee submitted information supporting its conclusion that it was ready to restart Millstone Unit 2. The NRC staff stated that it was satisfied that Millstone Unit 2 conforms to its licensing bases, that an adequate corrective action j
program has been established, and that the licensee has demonstrated its ability to begin power i
operation. The NRC staff reached this determination through extensive inspections spanning more than 2 years.
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P. King On April 29,1999, the NRC concluded that the licensee has taken appropriate corrective actions to support restart of Millstone Unit 2. The NRC will continue to monitor the' performance of Millstone Units 2 and 3 to ensure that public health and safety are adequately protected. The NRC is committed to the level of regulatory oversight needed to carry out this mandate.
Sincerely, I
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William D. Travers Executive Director
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for Operations
Enclosure:
As stated
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February 9, 1999 CHAMAN i
The Honorable Michael P. Forbes United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Forbes:
1 am responding to your letter of January 6,1999, in which you raised concems about the operating history of Millstone Unit 3 since it restarted in July 1998 and the continued lack of an emergency management plan for Eastern Long Island. You requested that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) ensure that Millstone Unit 2 remains closed, convene a public meeting on Long Island to discuss Northeast Utilities' plan to restart Millstone Unit 2, and permanently shut down Millstone Unit 3.
The overall plant performance at Millstone Unit 3 since its restart in July 1998 has been generally typical of a plant returning to service after a lengthy shutdown. The five events noted in your letter (one shutdown, three manual trips, and one automatic trip) resulted in expected plant transients, and no abnormalities were observed either during the transients or during plant recovery. The overall risk significance of these plant shutdowns was low and plant operators responded well to the challenges, exhibiting conservative decisionmaking and deliberate efforts i
to ensure safety and compliance with procedural requirements. Licensee management has initiated an assessment of the number and severity of challenges facing the plant operations staff since the return to power operations. Recognition on the part of senior licensee management of the need for increased attention to this area, as well as to the reduction of existing operator burdens, is reflected in its recent initiative to provide a renewed " operational focus" to all activities and decisions affecting the unit.
4 in NRC Inspection Report 50-423G8-05, dated January 7,1999, the NRC staff addressed the multiple plant trips and stated that the licensee's response to these trips confirmed proper operator response to the plant and equipment challenges. The NRC staff further stated that continued licensee management attention must be directed toward reducing the backlog of equipment problems and other issuct that have the potential to create future operational challenges to the Millstone Unit 3 operations staff. The NRC statt believes that the operational history at Millstone since July 1998 does not warrant plant shutdown; however, we plan to continue increased regulatory oversight at Millstone Unit 3 until the plant establishes and maintains the appropriate level of safety performance.
As discussed in your letter, on January 4,1999, water containing low levels of tritium and trace amounts of other radionuclides (a total of approximately 0.0217 curies) leaked out of the Millstone Unit 3 waste test tank before the licensee could isolate the leak. Heavy rain at that time carried the' Elightly contaminated water to Niantic Bay. A berm, which wu designed to retain any water leaking from the tank, failed to contain the leak. The tritium release was diluted in Niantic Bay and doses were evaluated based on fish and seafood consumption, as ENCLOSURE Ah&
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.2 well as recreational use of the Bay. The dose is well below radiation dose design objectives for maintaining effluent releases as low as reasonably achievable in accordance with Appendix l to 10 CFR Part 50. (The doses to a member of the public calculated to' result from the release of this radioactivity would be 2.2 x 10* rem, as compared to the public dose limit from licensed activities,0.1 rem, found in 10 CFR 20.1301.) As is the situation with marine sites, we did not i
include the drinking water pathway in this estimate. The licensee has investigated why the berm did not contain the leak and has lined the berm with an impermeable membrane. After j
the appropriate analysis was performed on the remaining water in the waste test tank, the contents (more than 15,000 gallons) were released to Niantic Bay through the normal release path, which is a normal evolution at the plant and allowed under NRC regulations.
As discussed in my letter to you dated June 8,1998, proposals have been made to both increase and decrease the 10-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) distance since this policy was established following the accident at Three Mile Island in 1979. After consideration of these proposals and their supporting documentation and rationale, the Commission has consistently concluded that an EPZ of about 10 miles in radius provides an acceptable planning basis for emergency response. In your January 6 letter, you indicated that Northeast Utilities is assisting each of the five east end towns of Long Island and Suffolk County with creating a coordinated emergency plan and establishing an open line of communication to ensure that Eastem Lcng Island is considered when decisions are made regarding the Millstone plants.
I encourage the communities involved to continue the ongoing dialogue with Northeast Utilities, as well as appropriate state and county officials, to develop the plans they believe are needed.
With regard to Millstone Unit 2, the staff is utilizing NRC Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0350,
" Staff Guidelines for Restart Authorization," as a guide for plant restart. As part of its execution of IMC 0350, the staff developed a Restart Assessment Plan to capture the NRC actions required before the NRC approves plant restart. The results of the NRC inspections and the i
status of Millstone Unit 2 plant readiness are discussed at periodic public meetings in the vicinity of the Millstone site. The last such meeting was held on January 11,1999, and was attended by several members of citizens groups from Long Island. During the meeting, the NRC staff answered questions from members of the public regarding many aspects of NRC regulatory oversight. As you are aware, the NRC staff also held a public meeting on Long Island on May 26,1998, to discuss emergency planning, and will continue to conduct periodic public meetings in the vicinity of Millstone to discuss activities at Millstone Station. The staff will conduct a sin liar meeting on Long Island prior to a Unit 2 restart decision.
I assure you that a Commission decision authorizing the restart of Millstone Unit 2 will be made only when the Commission is satisfied that the conditions that led to the extended shutdown have been corrected to our satisf action, regardless of the length of time that process may take.
The NRC staff is available to brief you or your staff on pertinent Millstone Station issues at your convenience.
Sincerely,
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P. King -
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On April 29,1999, tha NRC concluded th t tha licensee his tik;n cppropriate corrective actions i
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to support restart of Millstone Unit 2. The NRC will continue to monitor the performance of Millstone Units 2 and 3 to ensure that public health and safety are adequately protected. The NRC is committed to the level of regulatory oversight needed to carry out this mandate.
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Enclosure:
As stated DISTRIBUTION:
Docket Nos. (50-336 and 50-423) (w/ orig incoming)
TClark PUBLIC (w/ incoming)
JDurr, Rl EDO #9990204 JAndersen (w/ incoming)
EDO Reading HMiller, RI i
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JZwolinski/SBlack EAdensam (EGA1)
SECY# CRC-99-0356 NRR MAIL ROOM (EDO# 19990204 w/ incoming) (0-5-E-7)
DOCUMENT NAME: GT99-204
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P. King.
On April 29,1999, the NRC conclud d thit tha licensee his tik :n cppropriata corrective actions to support restart of Millstone Unit 2. The NRC will continue to monitor the performance of Millstone Units 2 and 3 to ensure that public health and safety are adequately protected. The NRC is committed to the level of regulatory oversight needed to carry out this mandate.
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.u William D. Travers Executive Director '
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Enclosure:
As stated DISTRIBUTION:
Docket Nos. (50-336 and 50-423) (w/ orig incoming)
TClark PUBLIC (w/ incoming)
JDurr, RI EDO #9990204 JAndersen (w/ incoming)
EDO Reading HMiller, Rl WTravers JClifford MKnapp OGC FMiraglia OPA AThadani OCA PNorry CNorsworthy JBlaha MKing SCollins/RZimmerman H
WKane SBums i
BSheron PDI-2 Reading (w/ incoming)
JZwolinski/SBlack EAdensam (EGA1)
SECY# CRC-99-0356 NRR MAIL ROOM (EDO# 19990204 w/ incoming) (0-5-E-7)
DOCUMENT NAME: GT99-204
- Previously Concurred OFFICE PDI-2/PM PDI-2/LA TECH ED*
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EDO Principal Correspondence Control FROMs DUE: 05/06/99 EDO CONTROL: G19990204
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DOC DT: 04/14/99 FINAL REPLY:
Rapr?.sentative Pete King TOs Chairman Jackson FOR SIGNATURE OF :
MILLSTONE (Paulette Orlanqo, Kathy and Theo Travers DImetriades, Kimberly Graple and Lena Marra)
Knapp Miraglia Norry Blaha Burns DATEt 04/22/99 Miller, RI ASSIGNED TO:
CONTACT:
_NRR
_ Collins SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR REMARKS:
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PAPER NUMBER':
CRC-99-0356 LOGGING DATE: Apr 21 99 ACTION OFFICE:
EDO AUTHOR:
PETE KING, REP AFFILIATION:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ADDRESSEE:
/
CHAIRMAN JACKSON
-LETTER DATE:
Apr 14 99 FILE CODE: IDR 5 MILLSTONE
SUBJECT:
MILLSTONE NUCLEAR PLANTS ACTION:
Direct Reply l
- DISTRIBUTION:
CHAIRMAN, COMRS' SPECIAL HANDLING: OCA TO ACK l
CONSTITUENT:
PAULETTE ORLANDO i
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DATE DUE:
May A 99 SIGNATURE:
DATE SIGNED:
i AFFILIATION:
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i Sir / Madam:
The attached communication is sent for your consideration. Please investigate the statements contained therein and forward me the necessary information for reply, return-ing the enclosed correspondence with your i
answer.
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- PAPER NUMBER
CRC-99-0357 LOGGING DATE: Apr 21 90 ACTION-OFFICE:
- EDO-AUTHOR:
PETE KING, REP-AFFILIATION:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ADDRESSEE:
' CHAIRMAN JACKSON LETTER DATE:
Apr.14 99 FILE CODE: IDR 5 MILLSTONE
SUBJECT:
- MILLSTONE ACTION:
Direct Reply DISTRIBUTION:
CHAIRMAN, COMRS SPECIAL HANDLING: OCA TO ACK 3
' CONSTITUENT:
THEO DEMETRIADES NOTES:
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DATE SIGNED:
AFFILIATION:
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The attached communication is sent for your consideration. Please investigate the statements contained therein and forward me the necessary information for reply, return-ing the enclosed correspondence with your answer.
Yours truly,
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Mills, Jessica J
From:
writerep Sent:
Thursday, March 11,1999 6:07 PM To:
NY3, PKing
Subject:
WHteRep Responses DATE: March 11,1999 5:41 PM NAW.: Kathy and Theo Demetriades d %
ADDR1:The Pine Grow Hul Estate
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We haw been residents of Old BrookWie for owr ten years and haw always considered Nassau County, Long Island to be a beautiful and safe place to lhe. We are eWromely concemed about the _aaanina of a a '=r powJe aanara'ar,'"-* 11 mies from the coast line. Since, independent consultants haw been remowd from the
%r station, there is no independent opinion to owlusta the safety of such a decision. Furthermore, the power generatom are far to close to the shoreline to guarantee that a lesk or other disaster wil not directly impad the qualty oflife on land as well as in the sea. We hope that you wil oppose any egension of nuclear power generation off the coast of Long island. Although we recognl e the positie benefts of nuclear power-namely that R is the cheapest and most efficient power source currently awlable - the possbie hazards associated wth ts use far outweighs ts benefits. We apprecista your time and hope that you support the peoples interests in safety and health K was not to long a00 that Nassau County, Long Island had one of the highest cancer rates in the country. Although those days are now behind us, the memories wil quickly become our realty with the opening of another nuclear power generator.
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET
-PAPER HUMBER:
CRC-99-0358 LOGGING DATE: Apr 21 99 ACTION OFFICE:
EDO AUTHOR:
PETE KING, REP AFFILIATION:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ADDRESSEE:
CHAIRMAN JACKSON LETTER DATE:
Apr 14 99 FILE CODE: IDR 5 MILLSTONE
SUBJECT:
MILLSTONE ACTION:
Direct Reply
- DISTRIBUTION:
CHAIRMAN, COMRS SPECIAL HANDLING: OCA TO ACK CONSTITUENT:
KIMBERLY GRANELLE NOTES:
DATE DUE:
May,8 09-SIGNATURE:
DATE SIGNED:
AFFILIATION:
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Sir / Madam:
The attached communication is sent for your consideration. Please investigate the statements contained therein and forward me the necessary information for reply, return-ing the enclosed correspondence with your answer.
Yours truly,
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PAPER NUMBER:
CRC-99-0359 LOGGING DATE: Apr 21 99 ACTION OFFICE:
EDO AUTHOR:
PETE KING, REP AFFILIATION:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ADDRESSEE:
CHAIRMAN JACKSON LETTER DATE:
Apr 14 99 FILE CODE: IDR 5 MILLSTONE
SUBJECT:
MILLSTONE ACTION:
Direct Reply DISTRIBUTION:
CHAIRMAN, COMRS SPECIAL HANDLING: OCA TO ACK CONSTITUENT:
LENA MARRA NOTES:
DATE DUE:
May 99 SIGNATURE:
DATE SIGNED:
AFFILIATION:
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Eause of Representattues unbiastan. s.e.
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Sir / Madam:
The attached communication is sent for your consideration. Please investigate the statements contained therein and forward me the necessary information for reply, return-ing the enclosed correspondence with your answer.
Yours truly,
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Thomas Gullotta 1 West Street Nhnoola, N.Y.11501
Dear Mr Gulotta:
I wdte to you today because of my concem about Millstone Nuclear Power Station in Waterford Connechcut. My concem stems from Six emergency shutdowns since the Unit 3 reactor's restart in June. Since emefgency shutdowns are quite stressful to all safety systems. most plants strive to keep shutdowrs to a maximum of one to two a year as opposed to the one a month that Millstone is cummtfy experiencing. How much longer are you going to allow this game of Radiation Roulette to go j
' on ?
l Your Long Island constituents are left unarmed to protect themselves in the event of a core accdent at i
the Minstone plant, which is only 11 miles from Long Island shores. Being a Long Island resident, I am deeply concemed about the fad that I would be unable to evacuata in the event of an accident. this 1
reador should nor be allowed to operate without adequate emergency planning in place for Long islanders 1 would also like to know how you can justify spending 4 50 milhon dollars of New York State taxpayers money on doening up Long Island when Millstone reactors are allowed to radiate one rnation gasons of Long Island Sound water per minute to keep the readors cooled This redishon, a known carcinogen, concentrates in shellfish and other marine life as it wosks its way up the food chain; as you know, your constituents on Long Island are very concemed about elevated rates of Niness, induding chudhood cancer and breast cancer.
I am confident that you wiH do all in you power to address this urWM[ dana 3ltughon Sincerely, hN Lena Marra 219 a N. Oak St.
Massapequa, N.Y.11758 j
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