ML20236T149
| ML20236T149 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Pilgrim |
| Issue date: | 11/13/1987 |
| From: | Murley T Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Shannon J MASSACHUSETTS, COMMONWEALTH OF |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20236T151 | List: |
| References | |
| CON-#487-4891 2.206, NUDOCS 8712010046 | |
| Download: ML20236T149 (2) | |
Text
f?l November 13, 1987 00CKETED USNRC Docket No.: 50-293 (10 CFR 2.206)
'87 10117 N1 :10 Mr. James M. Shannon, Attorney General John W. McCormack State Office Building
[0hb5b One Ashburton Place BRANCH Boston, MA 02108-1698
Dear Mr. Shannon:
This is in response to the Petition filed by Governor Michael S. Dukakis and j
yourself on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its citizens (Petitioners) with the Nuclear Regulatory Comission on October 15, 1987. The Petitioners request that the Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation institute a proceeding pursuant to l') CFR 2.202 to modify, suspend, or revoke the operating license held by the Boston Edison Company (BECo) for the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (Pilgrim).
As stated in the Petition, the NRC is requested to (1) modify the Pilgrim license to bar restart until a plant-specific probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) is performed for Pilgrim and all indicated safety modifications are implemented; (2) modify the Pilgrim license to extend the current shutdown pending the outcome of a full hearing on the significant outstanding safety issues and the development and certification by the Governor of adeouate emergency plans; and (3) issue an order, effective imediately, to modify the Pilgrim license to preclude BECo from taking any steps in its power ascension program until a formal adjudicatory hearing is held end findings of fact are made concerning safety questions raised regarding Pilgrin.
The relief sought by the Petitioners is based on allegations of (1) evidence of continuing serious managerial deficiencies at Pilgrim, (2) evidence that a plant-specific PRA as well as the implementation of any safety modifications indicated thereby should be required prior to Pilgrim's restart, and (3) evidence that the state of energency preparedness does not provide reasonable assurance that adequate protective measures can and will be taken in the event of a radiological emergency during operations at Pilgrim.
With respect to your request that an immediately effective order be issued to modify the Pilgrim license to preclude BEco from taking any steps in its power ascension program until an adjudicatory hearing is held, it should be noted that Pilgrim is presently shut down. While some activities in preparation for restart are being conducted, it is the assessment of NRC that these pose extremely low risk to public health and safety.
These activities include reload of the nuclear core, and tests of many systems and components. The implementation of a power ascension program, which commences with reactor startup, will not be permitted until NRC determines that there is reasonable assurance that the public health and safety will be protected.
That determination will
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e November 13, 1987 i
Docket No.: 50-293 (10 CFR 2.206) fir. James M. Shannon, Attorney General
_2 involve a comprehensive consideration and evaluation of the licensee's readiness to operate the facility, including the issues discussed in your Petition.
I do not find that the public interest requires issuance of an immediately effective order that modifies Boston Edison Company's operating license at this time.
The Petitior is being treated under 10 CFR 42.?O6 of the Commission's regulations and appropriate action will be taken within a reasonable time.
A copy of the notice that is being filed for publication with the Office of the Federal Register is enclosed for your information.
Sincerely,
/4' Thomas E. Murley, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation ec: See next page
Enclosure:
Federal Register Notice Distribution: See next page
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