ML20207E404

Opposes Any Change in NRC Regulatory Policy Which Would Reduce Size of 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone for Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Preparedness.Authors View 10-mile Evacuation Zone as Min Acceptable Zone

ML20207E404
Person / Time
Site:	Seabrook
Issue date:	12/02/1986
From:	Gregg J, Humphrey G, Rudman W HOUSE OF REP.
To:	Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
Shared Package
ML20207E372	List: ML20207E367 ML20207E404 ML20207E764 ML20207E768 ML20207E775
References
NUDOCS 8701020172
Download: ML20207E404 (1)

Text

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Congreggof tijeUnitch6tated Jpouse of Representatibes C8asbington,BE. 20515 December 2, 1986 Conmissioner Lando Zech Naclear Regulatory Canission 1717 H Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Cannissioner Zech:

As Menbers of Congress representing the state of New Hampshire, we want to make clear our opposition to any change in the regulatory policy of the Naclear Regulatory Camission (NRC) shich would reduce the size of the 10 mile emergency planning zone (pZ) for ruclear power plant energency preparedness.

'Ib provide for better protection of the public, and to regain credibility in this crucial area of emergency preparedness, the NRC nust begin to exhibit leadership beyond the site boundary. Public trust in the nuclear power plant licensing process has been worn thin by the NRC's perceived indifference to public concerns, as well as the events at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. As a result, the NRC can no longer expect the public to place its faith entirely in state-of-the-art safety standards in the plants alone. For example, off-site emergency plans should be required to address particular accident sequences or a " worse case accident."

Wille we recognize that Seabrook Station construction began prior to implementation of the NRC regulation which established the 10 mile EZ, it is an extrene disservice to the applicants and the public that we are faced with a flawed

, Federal process, one which does not require evacuation plans to be submitted and approved before a $4.5 billion investment is ready to go on line. Seabrook Station is now canplete and accruing $50 million per month in interest payments alone while acceptable evacuation provisions are sought out. A situation such as this nust never be allowed to occur again.

In closing, we view the 10 mile evacuation zone as the mininum acceptable zone.

We do not believe that a reduction in the EZ is in the best interest of the safety and well-being of New Hampshire residents, nor that of the people who live in the seacoast region of our state. We strongly urge you to use your leadership to establish meaningful emergency planning standards for the public in the nuclear l> power plant licensing process.

4.

m sincerely, y

N 4 el e

-[ u w2 Gordon J. Humphrey WarrenB.Rubn

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Robert C. Snith M

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