ML20246L308
| ML20246L308 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/10/1989 |
| From: | Murley T Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Comley S WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES (WE THE PEOPLE |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8905180292 | |
| Download: ML20246L308 (16) | |
Text
, _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1 MAY 101989 Mr. St6 phen B. Cemley Executive Director We the People of the United States Post Office Box 277 Rowley, Massachusetts 01969
Dear Mr. Comley:
Your letter of February 23, 1989, to Fresident George Bush and your letter to Mr. Joseph W. Hagin, Director, Presidential Appointments and Scheduling, dated March 3,1989, expressing concern regarding counterfeit ar.d substandard parts in nuclear power plants have been referred to me for response.
As reflected in the NRC bulletins and information notices included in the reference materials supplied with your letters, the NRC shares your concern and has been actively pursuing the safety implications of counterfeit and substandard materials and components in nuclear power plants. Although several instances have been identified in which such materials were installed in plant systems, none of these were determined to have a high safety significance to plant operation.
In cases in which counterfeit materials are allowed to remain in nuclear power plants, safety analyses and special testing, when appropriate, must demonstrate that acceptable safety margins are maintained.
I believe that the actions taken have been both prompt and thorough. We will continue to aggressively pursue cases of substandard and counterfeit materials in nuclear power plants and to take necessary measures to assure that acceptable safety margins are maintained during plant operation.
Sincerely,
'Origizm1 Mgned by thqmas E. Mul:loy Thomas E. Murley, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation DISTRIBUTION Central Files PDR JTaylor, ED0 FIngram, PA TEMurley JHSniezek FJMiraglia JPartlow DCrutchfield FPGillespie BKGrimes EWBrach UPotapovs VIB R/F DRIS R/F DMossburg(EDO 0004432)
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t Stephen B.'Comley Inc.
We The' People of'the United States, (White House Referral'4/21/89)
- TOs President Bush p
FOR SIGNATURE OF:
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CRC NO: 89-0394 t
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ROUTING:
CONCERNS RE SAFETY PROBLEMS AT NUCLEAR POWER
- PLANTS DUE TO COUNTERFEIT SUBSTANDARD PARTS DATE: 04/2S/89 ASSIGNED TO:
CONTACT:
NRR Murley N
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SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR REMARKS:
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AGENCY LIAISON
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. LOGGING DATE: Apr 24 89 p
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EDO JAUTHOR:
'S.B.-Comley
. AFFILIATION:.
' WHITE.' HOUSE
[ LETTER DATE:-
'Apr[21-89 FILE CODE:.C&R,
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SUBJECT:
Informs ~of safety problem in U.S._ nuclear power plants due to counterfeit substandard parts; requests mtg to discuss
' ACTION:~
Direct Reply' DISTRIBUTION:
'SPECIAL HANDLING: White House Referral I-
' NOTES:
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DATE DUE:
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4 THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE
. REFERRAL APRIL 21, 1989 i
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I TO: NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ACTION REQUESTED:
APPROPRIATE ACTION DESCRIPTION OF INCOMING:
ID:
026098 MEDIA:
LETTER, DATED FEBRUARY 23, 1989 TO:
PRESIDENT. BUSH FROM:
MR. STEPHEN B. COMLEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, INC. - STOP CHERNOBYL HERE BOX 277 ROWLEY MA 01969
SUBJECT:
INFORMS OF SAFETY PROBLEM IN U.S. NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS DUE TO COUNTERFEIT SUBSTANDARD PARTS; REQUESTS MEETING TO DISCUSS PROMPT ACTION IS ESSENTIAL -- IF REQUIRED ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN WITHIN 9 WORKING DAYS OF RECEIPT, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE UNDERSIGNED AT 456-7486.
RETURN CORRESPONDENCE, WORKSHEET AND COPY OF RESPONSE (OR DRAFT) TO:
AGENCY LIAISON, ROOM 91, THE WHITE HOUSE, 20500 SALLY KELLEY
)
DIRECTOR OF AGENCY LIAISOA PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
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SUBJECT:
INFORMS OF SAFETY PROBLEM IN U.S. NUCLEAR SPOWER PLANTS DUE TO COUNTERFEIT SUBSTANDARD PARTS; REQUESTS MEETING TO DISCUSS l
ACTION DISPOSITION
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ACT DATE TYPE C COMPLETED
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COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES:
MI MAIL USER CODES: (A)
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(C) ee990**************w***************************************************
- ACTION CODES:
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REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE (ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT-2590 KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS MANAGEMENT.
h We The People 2609[
of the United States,Inc.
iMQ Stop ChernobylHere I
February 23, 1989 President George Bush White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to inform you of a safety problem in U.S.
nuclear power plants which could have catastrophic consequences for the American people.
Tens of thousands of counterfeit substandard parts have been built into a majority of nuclear power plants.
This problem has come to light in the last year, catching the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the nuclear industry by surprise.
It means that nuclear plants are much less safe than either the regulators or the industry has supposed.
Because replacing these substandard fasteners, piping materials, and electrical components would cost more than the industry cares to pay, the NRC has lowered the safety standards established by that agency.
The enclosed analysis prepared by We The People, a non-profit educational organization, demonstrates that the claims of nuclear power plants safety due to redundancy and defense-in-depth design are no longer valid.
The American people, particularly those living near nuclear power plants, are in danger of being 1
contaminated by an accident worse than Chernobyl.
Such an I
accident is sure to occur unless action is taken soon.
As Executive Director of We The People, I am writing to you to ask you to intervene before it is too late.
It is critical that you, the highest elected official in this country, be informed of the problems involved.
They are two-fold: first, the nuclear power plants with counterfeit materials are not built to the standards established by nuclear engineers to ensure safety; and second, the NRC has not only lowered safety standards, but has delayed for months and even years in requiring any investigation of the counterfeit materials in the plants.
Once the agency did A non-Profit. tax exempt organintion Box 277. Rowley, M A 01969, (508) 948-7959
$0 Court St., Plymouth, M A 0236I (508) 746-9300 1
National Press Bldg., Suite ?94,14 & F. Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20045 (202) 628-6611 Offices 5 & 6,3 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301. (603) 228-9484
'.e I
order investigations there scope was exceedingly limited.
For example, under pressure from the nuclear industry, the NRC. withdrew its requirements that the counterfeit substandard parts be replaced.
These problems were brought to President Reagan's attention even before the NRC acknowledged that they existed, but e
never substantially responded.
As We The People informed Mr.
Reagan, there are. individuals within the NRC who have additional information on the isnues addressed in this letter and in the enclosed analysis, individuals who are willing to meet with you in-confidence.
I am a member of the Inner Circle, a nursing home owner in Massachusetts, and a loyal citizen who is terribly worried about the unsafe situation at nuclear-power plants around the country.
I care about the American people and know you do too, which.is why I am informing you of this potentially censstrophe and appealing to you to take action.
This information also went out to every Representative, Senator and Governor in the United States.
You will find our replies to date enclosed.
P_ lease.lat Joe know who I should contact in order
+n set up-A_mae+ing__Eiih you. In all due respect, I ask that you nersonally respond to this letter, at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your concern in this matter.
Sincerely,
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- AUTHOR
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'Apr 27-89 FILE CODE:
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SUBJECT:
Unsafe' conditions of nuclear.powe. plants in the=
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" ACTION:'
Direct Reply DISTRIBUTION:
' SPECIAL HANDLING: None I NOTES:
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ACTION REQUESTED:
DRAFT REPLY FOR SIGNATURE OF:
JOSEPH HAGIN DESCRIPTION OF INCOMING:
ids 022966 MEDIAr-LETTER, DATED MARCH-3, 1989 TO:
JOSEPH HAGIN
'FROM:
MR. STEPHEN B. COMLEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES,'INC.
BOX 277 ROWLEY MA 01969
SUBJECT:
WRITER IS CONCERNED ABOUT UNSAFE CONDITIONS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN THE U. S.
PROMPT ACTION.IS ESSENTIAL -- IF REQUIRED ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN WITHIN 9 WORKING DAYS OF RECEIPT, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE UNDERSIGNED AT 456-7486.
RETURN CORRESPONDENCE, '40RKSHEET AND COPY OF RESPONSE
('R DRAFT)'TO:
O
. AGENCY LIAISON, ROOM $1, THE WHITE HOUSE, 20500 SALLY KELLEY DIRECTOR OF AGENCY LIAISON PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE H
Department of Energy M
Washington, DC 20585 2
APR 141989 Ms. Sally Kelley Director of Agency Liaison Presidential Correspondence Room 91 Old Executive Office Buf1 ding Washington, D.C.
20500
Dear Ms. Kelley:
Enclosed is a letter addressed to President Bttsh which was incorrectly.
forwarded to the Department of Energy. Due to the subject matter, this correspondence should be forwr.rded to:
Mr. Frank Ingram Assistant to the Director Office of Public Affairs Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C.
20555 If you have any questions, please call me on 586-5106.
Sincerely, l
g.
Bonnie Betancourt Office of the Executive Secretariat
' I Director of Special Projects Enclosures J
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4 THE WHITE HOUSE from the desk of Joseph Hagin 11 WASHINGTON t
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For Your Information gg For Your Action
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THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE REFERRAL i
APRIL 5,
1989 TO: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY l
ACTION REQUESTED:
DRAFT REPLY FOR SIGNATURE OF:
JOSEPH HAGIN DESCRIPTION OF INCOMING:
ID:
022966 MEDIA:
LETTER, DATED MARCH 3, 1989 TO:
JOSEPH HAGIN FROM:
MR. STEPHEN B. COMLEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, INC.
BOX 277 ROWLEY MA 01969
SUBJECT:
WRITER IS CONCERNED ABOUT UNSAFE CONDITIONS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN THE U. S.
PROMPT ACTION IS ESSENTIAL -- IF REQUIRED ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN WITHIN 9 WORKING DAYS OF RECEIPT, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE l
UNDERSIGNED AT 456-7486.
RETURN CORRESPONDENCE, WORKSHEET AND COPY OF RESPONSE (OR DRAFT) TO:
AGENCY LIAISON, ROOM 91, THE WHITE HOUSE, 20500 SALLY KELLEY DIRECTOR OF AGENCY LIAISON PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
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Typei: Acepo
- in 1,lale of Signer Completion Data = Date of Outgoino Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
' Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
l Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
541
.-__-_-____ - _- D
,y~1apg' of the United States,Inc.
Stop ChernobylHere
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March 3, 1989 Mr. Joseph W. Hagin Director, Presidential Appointments and Scheduling Room 182 The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D. C, 20500
Dear Mr. Hagin,
It is very vital that the enclosed information reach President Bush immediately.
Upon your review, I am sure that you will agree.
Sincerely,
!r A,
h3 0
teph en B. Coinley xecu'tive Director SBC/dee Enclosures
(
A non-profit. tax exempt organization Box 277, Rowley, M A 01969. (508) 948-7959 50 Court St., Plymouth, M A 02361,(508) 746-9300 National Press Bldg., Suite 994,14 & F. Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20045,(202) 628 66I I Offices 5 & 6,3 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301 (603) 228 9484
____ _j
.e We hhe People N
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+
/
of the United States,Inc.
N Stop Chernobyl Here February 23, 1989 I
President George Bush White House 1600 Pennsylvar41a Ave.
Dear Mr. President:
d I am writing to inform you of a safety problem in U.S.
l nuclear power plants which cop 1d have catastrophic consequences for the American people.
Tens of thousands of counterfeit substandard parts have been built into a majority of nuclear power plants.
This problem has come to light in the last year, catching the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the nuclear industry by surprise.
-It means that nuclear plants are much less safe than either the regulators or the industry has supposed.
Because replacing these substandard fasteners, piping materials, and electrical components would cost more than the industry cares to pay, the NRC has lowered the safety standards established by that agency.
The enclosed analysis prepared by We The People, a non-profit educational organization, demonstrates that the claims of nuclear power plants safety due to redundancy and defense-in-depth design are no longer valid.
The American people, particularly those living near nuclear power plants, are in danger of being contaminated by an accident worse than Chernobyl.
Such an accident is sure to occur unless action is taken soon.
As Executive Director of We The People, I am writing to you to ask you to intervene before it is too late.
It is critical that you, the highest elected official in this country, be informed of the problems involved.
They are two-fold: first, the nuclear power plants with counterfeit materials are not built to the. standards established by nuclear engineers to ensure safety; and second, the NRC has not only lowered safety standards, but has delayed for months j
and even years in requiring any investigation of the counterfeit materials in the plants.
Once the agency did
~
i A noa. profit tax exempt organization Box 277. Rowley, M A 01%9,(508) 948-7959
$0 Court St., Plymouth. M A 02361, (508) 746-9300 National Press Bldg., Suite 994, I4 & F. Sts N.W., Washington, D.C. 20045. (202) 628-66II Offices 5 & 6. 3 Pleasant St., Concord, N H 03301. (603) 228-9484 j
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' For example, under pressure from the nuclear industry,'the W 'T5Y; NRC withdrew'its requirements that the counterfeit substandard parts be replaced.
These problems were brought to President Reagan's attention even before the NRC acknowledged that they existed, but he never substantially responded.
As We The People informed Mr.
Reagan, there are individuals within the NRC who have additional information on the itssues addressed in this letter and in the enclosed analysis, individuals who are willing to l
meet with you in confidence.
_I am a member of the Inner Circle, a nursing home owner in Ma s sacT6s e tt <r.7n d a loyal citizen who is terribly worried ~
"about the unsafe situation at nuclear power plants around the country.
I care about the American people and know you do too, which is why I am informing you of this potentially catastrophe and appealing to you to take action.
This information also went out to every Representative, Senator
~
and Governor in the United States.
You will find our replies to date enclosed.
Please let me know who I should contact in order to set up a meeting with you. In all due respect, I ask that you personally respond to this letter, at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your concern in this matter.
S mcerely, o
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