ML20236X055

Responds to Re NRC Issuing Low Power Testing License for Plant.Nrc Decision Will Be Based on Consideration of Public Health & Safety Rendered on Format Record of Plant Proceeding

ML20236X055
Person / Time
Site:	Seabrook
Issue date:	12/02/1987
From:	Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
To:	Kemp J HOUSE OF REP.
References
NUDOCS 8712080394
Download: ML20236X055 (1)

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. NUCLEAR RE U AT RY COMMISSION

. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20066

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' CHAtRMAN,.

December 2, 1987

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The'HonorablefJack Kemp United.. States: House of. Representatives Washington, D'.C.:

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'DeiriCongre.ssman Kemp:

'I am responding'to your November 23, 1987 letter >in vhich you-

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. expressed your concerns about the possibility that the' Commission would issue ~a license for low-power testing at(the Seabrook:

. Station in New-Hampshire.

Pursuant.to the" requirements.of the Atomic Energy,Act'.and the Commission's'own rules, the Commission's' decision in a L

contested licensing' proceeding is made on the basis of the formal adjudicatory record.. Because the issue.you raise is' at

. issue in an NRC' adjudicatory proceeding, a. copy of-your letter "t

'hes:been served.on all parties to that proceeding.

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youraletter has?also been placed in the Public Document Room.

I am sure'you'will understand that the Commission cannot respond more fully at this'. time to the. substance.-of your concerns. "The Commission's decision in this matter will'be

. rendered on.the formal record ~of the.Seabrook proceeding.

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.can assure,you, however, that in reaching ~this. decision, the Commission will carefully consider the relevant issues and that its primary consideration wil1 be protecting public health and-safety.

In'that. regard, you'may also be assured that the.NRC will'workLin close cooperation with FEMA to ensure the safety and adequacy.of. emergency planning.

Sincerely.

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8 Lando W. Z h.

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JACK KEMP pansv erspomo 3isx 0 cTnicT of NEW YORY..

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. (212) 815-5249

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, cwnonta. vourn, ano eawaits November 23, 1987 The Honorable Lando-Zech

. Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Commission-1717 H Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C.

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Dear Mr. Zech:

I am' writing to express my concerns about any Commission decision to approve low-power.tcsting.for the Seabrook nuclear

. power plant prior..to the adoption of safe, adequate emergency evacuation plans.

While the.NRC has the authority to approve low-power t'esting-before off-site. evacuation plans have been adopted, I believe such approval would~ seriously undermine public confidence within the emergency planning zone.

Citizens living within the zone must be assured that-public safety is' receiving the highest priority during the entire deci_sion-making ^ process on power licensing.

Without this assurance, public support-for the plant will be' weakened significantly.

I feel'strongly that the Commission should delay a decision q

on low-power testing until~.the Federal Emergency Management Agency'has fully determined that-the evacuation plans are j

workable.and ensure public safety.

The agency has testified that it-still has concerns about deficiencies-in New Hampshire's-I evacuation plan, especially with regard to inadequate sheltering for the summer beach population.

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I urge the Commission to work with FEMA in resolving the public safety issues to ensure that safe, realistic evacuation plans are in place prior to making any decision on low-power testing.

Thank you for your consideration.

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JACK IMP l

Membe c of Congress JK:kas OO g

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