ML20214J483
| ML20214J483 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Seabrook  |
| Issue date: | 11/25/1986 |
| From: | Frank B, Erin Kennedy, Markey E HOUSE OF REP., HOUSE OF REP., ENERGY & COMMERCE, SENATE |
| To: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| References | |
| CON-#486-1698 OL, NUDOCS 8612010327 | |
| Download: ML20214J483 (2) | |
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Congregg of tfje Wnitch 6tates J. a d a_
house of Representatibes WasWagton, B.C. 20515
'86 MN 28 P2 :41 November 25, 1986 0FFU The Honorable Lando W.
Zech,'Jr.
.',. E Chairman U.S.. Nuclear Regulatory Commission A
1717 H Street, N. W.
Washington, D.C.
20555 SERVED NOV 281986
Dear Mr. Chairman:
As Members of the Congress, we are seriously disturbed about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's posture regarding the Seabrook nuclear power plant.
As -you are fully aware, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and thirteen local communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have declined to participate in emergency planning for an accident at Seabrook as a consequence of their conviction that no emergency planning can adequately protect the health and safety of their citizens.
These emergency planning issues are before the Commission and its Licensing Board and no doubt will be litigated for some time.
We are concerned that the Commission is not giving sufficient weight to these legitimate concerns as it reviews decisions regarding the issuance of a low-power license.
It would be a disservice to the citizens of Massachusetts and New Hampshire to permit the operation and contamination of the Seabrook facility without knowing whether full-power operation will ever occur.
Moreover, we are troubled deeply by the participation of the NRC staff in extensively reviewing, without any formal request before the Commission, Public Service of New Hampshire studies that clearly have as their objective an intent to provide a l
technical justification for reducing the size of the emergency planning zone at Seabrook f rom 10 miles to 2 miles.
Regardless of whether or not a formal petition is filed, this ef fort is a clear i
attempt to circumvent the intent of Congress as expressed in P.L.96-295 to require Commission approval of adequacy of meaningful emergency planning around nuclear power plants before issuing an operating license.
We strongly request that the NRC cease any further expenditure of its staf f time or contract funds for the purpose of reviewing these PSNH studies, and that the Commission make a public commitment that it will not consider any such attempt to i
reduce the size of the emergency planning zone at Seabrook or any l
other nuclear plant.
We also request that the Commission def er any action on issuance of a low-power operating license at Seabrook until all issues related to offsite emergency planning and preparedness have been fully and completely resolved.
8612010327 861125 j
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The Hen 3rEblo Lcndo W. ZGeh, Jr.
Page Two November 25, 1986
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To proceed otherwise only will inflame public sentiment on a matter that already is deeply mired in controversy, and will raise further questions regarding the Commission's responsiveness to State and local concerns in the licensing process and the implications that raises for appropriate revisions to the Atomic Energy Act.
Sincerely, 0 9x w M
United States Sen[ator Joldt F. Kerry Edward J. Marl,ey,Ch/ Lrman Subcommittee on Ener91 Conservation and Power
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Edward M. Kennedy J
Nicholas Mavroules United States Segen.us Member of ngress Barney Frdtk o
akley Member of Co ress ber of Congress Gff
,14 w CE Geifty
, Studds Chester G. Atkins Member
>f Congress Member of Congress i
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