ML20237F169
| ML20237F169 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Seabrook  |
| Issue date: | 11/19/1987 |
| From: | Biden J SENATE |
| To: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20237F156 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8712290410 | |
| Download: ML20237F169 (2) | |
Text
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JOSEPH R. BIDEN, Jn.
wuwm tited $tates $tnatt WASHINGTON, DC 20510 November 19, 1987 The Honorable Lando W.
Zech, Jr.
Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commisssion 1717 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20555
\\
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I am writing in regard to the Commission's pending review of the application by the Public Service Company of New Hampshire for a low-power testing license for its Seabrook facility.
I strongly urge the Commission not to authorize low-power operations at this time.
As I have noted in earlier correspondence, a low-power testing license is of little value to the utility without the assumption that a full-power license will follow.
Given the widespread public concern about the inadequacy of previous evacuation plan proposals, that ascumption is invalid.
The strong possibility of court challenges to the granting of a full-power license makes it highly unlikely that the plant will operate at full power in the near future.
In addition, the declining financial health of the utility raises serious questions about the merits of granting a low-power license at this time.
Recent press reports indicate that the Public Service Company faces an involuntary bankruptcy petition by its creditors.
In light of this precarious financial position, it appears unwise to grant a low-power testing license to e utility facing a most complicated future.
Furthermore, low-power testing substantially increases future costs of abandoning the plant should the eventual effort to obtain a full-power license fail.
The possible bankruptcy of the utility raises questions about how these costs will be absorbed, questions that should be closely considered by the Commission before granting a low-power license.
8712290410 871119
{DR ADOCK 05000443 PDR
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The Honorable Lando W.
Zech, Jr.
j November 19, 1987 Page Two i
In my view, granting a license for low-power testing at Seabrook at this time serves no purpose other than to reassure the utility's nervous creditors, a responsibility the Commission should not attempt to assume.
Testing implies that the plant will come on-line in the near future, an unrealistic expectation given the strong opposition to the For these facility and the lack of a viable evacuation plan.
reasons, I strongly urge the Commission to deny the application for a low-power license.
Thank you ror your attention to these concerns.
Sinc
- ely, L-seph R. Biden, Jr.
nited States Senator l
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