ML25216A282
| ML25216A282 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Kemmerer File:TerraPower icon.png |
| Issue date: | 08/04/2025 |
| From: | Public Commenter Public Commenter |
| To: | NRC/NMSS/DREFS |
| NRC/NMSS/DREFS | |
| References | |
| 90FR26333 | |
| Download: ML25216A282 (3) | |
Text
From:
Dawn Marquardt <damarqua@union-tel.com>
Sent:
Monday, August 4, 2025 7:46 PM To:
TerraPowerEnvironmental Resource
Subject:
[External_Sender] DRAFT EIS COMMENT Public Comment on TerraPower Natrium Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement To Whom It May Concern at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission:
I attended the recent NRC public meeting in Kemmerer, Wyoming, regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the TerraPower Natrium reactor project. I am submitting the following comments and questions for the public record. At the meeting, I raised many of these issues directly, but I did not receive substantive answers. Given the stakes for our community, our environment, and future generations, I request that the NRC address these concerns in writing and as part of the official EIS process.
- 1. Safety & Spent Nuclear Fuel Management
- What is the long-term plan for managing spent nuclear fuel from the Natrium reactor? Where will it be stored, and for how long?
- Is there any scenario in which Wyoming could become a permanent or interim storage site for this spent fuel?
- Has the NRC conducted independent modeling for worst-case scenarios involving sodium leaks, sodium fires, or containment breaches?
- In the event of a sodium fire, what toxic byproducts could be released into the environment, and how will they be contained?
- 2. Environmental Impacts
- What measures will be taken to protect groundwater and surface water from contamination during construction, operation, and decommissioning?
- How much water will the plant use annually, and what are the sources for that water?
- Has the NRC conducted a full, independent Environmental Impact Statement that includes worst-case accident scenarios and their environmental consequences?
- How will construction and operation impact local wildlife, migratory birds, and native plant species?
- What reclamation and site restoration plans are in place for when the facility is decommissioned, and who will be financially responsible?
- What are the specific emergency response plans for a sodium fire, radiation release, or transportation accident involving reactor fuel?
- Do local emergency services and hospitals have the training, personnel, and equipment to respond to
such events?
- Will the NRC commit to funding local emergency response capacity if this project proceeds?
- 4. Fuel Supply & National Security
- Where will the High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel for the Natrium reactor come from, and is there a guaranteed domestic supply?
- Are any foreign-owned companies or adversary nations involved in the fuel supply chain, manufacturing, or reactor components?
- What safeguards exist to prevent foreign influence over this critical infrastructure project?
- 5. Public Participation & Transparency
- Why was this project advanced so far without more robust opportunities for Wyoming citizens to vote on or directly influence the decision?
- How will the NRC ensure ongoing transparency, public updates, and accountability throughout the life of this project?
- Will the NRC commiton the recordthat no spent nuclear fuel from this or any other project will be permanently stored in Wyoming without direct voter approval and full tribal consultation?
These questions are not just proceduralthey are fundamental to the safety, sovereignty, and environmental health of Wyoming. The people of this state deserve clear, honest, and complete answers before any project of this magnitude proceeds.
Sincerely, Dawn Marquardt PO BOX 252 LaBarge, WY 83123 damarqua@union-tel.com Sent from my iPhone
Federal Register Notice:
90FR26333 Comment Number:
5 Mail Envelope Properties (F193423C-1830-4007-8A58-1E2F5EE290EC)
Subject:
[External_Sender] DRAFT EIS COMMENT Sent Date:
8/4/2025 7:45:58 PM Received Date:
8/4/2025 7:46:10 PM From:
Dawn Marquardt Created By:
damarqua@union-tel.com Recipients:
"TerraPowerEnvironmental Resource" <TerraPowerEnvironmental.Resource@nrc.gov>
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