ML20304A069

Comment from Margaret Sikora Re Indian Point Consideration of Approval of Transfer of Licenses & Conforming Amendments

ML20304A069
Person / Time
Site:	Indian Point
Issue date:	10/26/2020
From:	- No Known Affiliation
To:
SECY/RAS
References
85FR03947, NRC-2020-0021
Download: ML20304A069 (2)

Text

Docket, Hearing From: Riverkeeper <info@Riverkeeper.org> on behalf of Margaret Sikora <info@Riverkeeper.org>

Sent: Monday, October 26, 2020 11:18 AM To: CMRHanson Resource

Subject:

[External_Sender] Fully adjudicate all pending petitions on Docket Nos. 50-3, 50-247 and 50-286 Oct 26, 2020 Christopher Hanson, NRC Commissioner

Dear:

Hanson, NRC Commissioner, As a resident of Garrison, N.Y., just six miles from Indian Point, I am deeply concerned about the safe decommissioning of Indian Point and safe disposal/storage of the spent fuel rods. Further, having grown up in Camden, N.J.and ministered there for 26 years, I am appalled that Holtec has even been considered to take on such a monumental operation.

Therefore, I wholeheartedly concur with Riverkeeper and support its actions on behalf of all citizens impacted by the decommission-ing process.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the "Commission") must fully adjudicate all pending petitions regarding the proposed transfer of Indian Point Energy Center ("IPEC") prior to making a determination on the license transfer application and related exemption requests, Docket Nos. 50-3, 50-247 and 50-286.

As also discussed in the State of New York's Supplemental Comments (Accession No: ML022811A635),

approval of the proposed transfer prior to the Commission's ruling on the pending petitions to intervene--

submitted by the State, Riverkeeper, and others--would place the public at risk. It is essential that the concerns raised about Holtec's financial qualifications and character be properly assessed and mitigated if necessary.

Specifically, Riverkeeper had challenged the proposed transfer of Indian Point's licenses to Holtec on the grounds that its past actions show a lack of character, competence, and integrity, as well as the necessary candor, truthfulness and willingness to abide by NRC regulatory requirements. Since then, as detailed in supplemental filings, Riverkeeper has learned that Holtec is currently under criminal investigation in New Jersey, is financially unsound, and has deliberately violated local laws during the decommissioning of Oyster Creek.

Upon information and belief, the current criminal investigation into Holtec is for perjury, i.e. lying on a form to obtain tax credits from New Jersey, and fraud. Riverkeeper has also learned that Holtec is unable to pay back some of its debts due to cancellation of the tax credit due to the fraud as shown in Holtec's brazen suit for damages due to the cancellation of its tax breaks. In addition, a lawsuit filed by Lacey Township makes it plain that Holtec willfully violated local laws and did not stop certain work at Oyster Creek until the municipality obtained an injunction from a court.

The costly process of decommissioning of nuclear power plants can last decades and involve the complex removal and disposal of radioactive materials, presenting a significant risk to the community if not properly executed. The law provides for a number of safeguards to ensure that decommissioning is safely and completely executed including funding from decommissioning trust funds made up in part of rate payer contributions-- which totals over $2 billion for the three Indian Point reactors. Failure to comply with these laws may lead to significant safety and financial ramifications on the public. Further, corner cutting may impact both the safety and job security of the many IPEC employees both current and future. Giving this huge responsibility to an untrustworthy company would only put the local communities, IPEC employees, and New York State taxpayers at risk, especially in light of Holtec's proven record of cutting corners to maximize its own profits.

1

Therefore, the Commission must fully adjudicate all pending petitions on Docket Nos. 50-3, 50-247 and 50-286 before issuing a determination on the Indian Point license transfer application. As part of this process, I urge the Commission to examine the proposed license transfers and exception requests, giving heightened scrutiny to financial and character qualifications of Holtec, and requiring financial assurances as needed to protect the public.

Especially as a citizen of this area, I speak also for Sisters of my Congregation when I support Riverkeeper's actions regarding the safety of all living in Metro area that could be impacted by Holtec's unreliable assurances of safety and lack of dependability in following procedures.

Sincerely, SisterMargaret Sikora Director, JPIC Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement 41 Old Highland Turnpike Garrison NY 10524-3400 Sincerely, Margaret Sikora 41 Old Highland Tpke Garrison, NY 10524-3400 msikora@graymoor.org 2