ML20212L000

Expresses Concern Re NRC Possible Decision to Sidestep Commonwealth of Ma Objection to Evacuation Plans for Plant. New Rule Should Require Evacuation Plans Be Approved Before Const Begins

ML20212L000
Person / Time
Site:	Seabrook
Issue date:	02/07/1987
From:	Kuhn H AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
To:	NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
References
CON-#187-2608, FRN-52FR6980, RULE-PR-50 OL, NUDOCS 8703100054
Download: ML20212L000 (1)

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'87 FEB 19 P5 :55 15 Elm Street Pepperell CFi n Massachusetts 01463 GOCR 1 . , '

February 7,1987 B%

Chairman United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Mr. Chairman:

The press reports that the NRC might sidestep Massachusetts 8 objection to evacuation plans for the Seabrook plant.

If you change your rule, the new rule should be that evacuation p'lans 'must~be~appmved before plant construction begins.

Some people have large investments in nuclear plants, but that fact does not mean necessarily that further investment in production is wise at the current level of technology. I have chosen not to invest in nuclear power, and you should not force me to invest either niy money or, potentially, my health or life simply because those who have invested are eager for a return on their investment.

I can sympathize with people to may see the evacuar, ion plan issue as being a procedural technicality that should be removed surgically. I believe, however, that it is not essentially a procedural matter; it is a substantive issue. The possible l consequences of a major accident must be examined carefully.

You must be willing to consider the possibility that the new Seabrook facility should never open because current knowledge tells us it would be too risky.

f Yes, then are large investments involved, but those are I sunk costs. The decision to go forward mat rest entirely on future cost versus benefit, and the most important consideration is the safety of the community.

There are huge risks with unknown probabilities here, and where the risk is large, it is. prudent to assume the probability f to be on the high side. Seabrook investors might like to assume the probability of a major accident to be very small, That I

assumtion certainly is understandable, but it is not prudent.

l Sincerely, l Hv7 A l Henry Kuhn J

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