ML23025A080

Limited Appearance Statement from Anna Ikeda in the Matter of Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. License Amendment Application

ML23025A080
Person / Time
Site:	Erwin
Issue date:	01/25/2023
From:	Ikeda A - No Known Affiliation
To:	Bollwerk G NRC/SECY/RAS, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel
References
70-143-LA
Download: ML23025A080 (1)

Text

From: Anna Ikeda To: Docket, Hearing; Paul Bollwerk

Subject:

[External_Sender] Proposed License Amendment Request, Nuclear Fuel Services, Docket No.70-143 Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:01:00 AM Honorable ASLB Panel Chair & NRC Rulemaking & Adjudications Staff:

Thank you for your January 23, 2023 MEMORANDUM. I am submitting a limited appearance statement in order to make the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board aware of my concerns at issue in the subject proceeding.

With today's announcement that the Doomsday Clock is set at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest to midnight it's ever been, the threat of nuclear annihilation is growing. Coupled with the ongoing concern for climate change, we know that any accidents related to nuclear weapons and their production materials can have devastating consequences on our communities and country, the very things those weapons are meant to protect.

I have worked on nuclear weapons nonproliferation and disarmament for close to a decade, mainly working at the United Nations as a member of civil society. Though our work with those from affected communities we know that risks are too high when it comes to producing nuclear materials, if they are not handled with utmost safety measures. The eight new accident scenarios that this uranium purification project will introduce pose a great concern not only for the people in the local area, but also for the whole nation. One seemingly small error could have devastating effects on the people and the environment, for many generations.

Therefore, I supported ECANs contentions:

(1) that NRC investigate ongoing chemical & radioactive poisoning of underground & surface water; (2) that NFS be required to adopt a strict quality assurance program throughout its operations; (3) that a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impacts on the environment of this 65-year-old plant - that is, an EIS -- is long overdue and must be done; and (4) that a proliferation assessment be performed on the legality of making nuclear weapons material at a private company when U.S. and international law prohibit the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

I sincerely hope that you will fairly evaluate the concerns brought by the citizens, whose lives will and have been impacted by the nuclear material production. I hope rigorous assessments are conducted to ensure utmost safety and security of all involved.

Sincerely,

/s/ Anna Ikeda