ML070440359

E-MAIL: (PD) FW: Pilgrim in the News

ML070440359
Person / Time
Site:	Pilgrim
Issue date:	01/04/2007
From:	Raymond W Entergy Nuclear Operations
To:	Raymond W, Williamson A NRC/NRR/ADRO/DLR/REBB, NRC/RGN-I/DRP/PB5
References
TAC MD3698
Download: ML070440359 (12)

Text

JAliqiaýilýiamson - FW: P!ýIgrirn inthei News Page 1 ,

Alicia Wilharnson-FW: Pilgrim in the News Page 1 .1I From: "Raymond, William" <WRaym90@entergy.com>

To: <wjr@nrc.gov>, <arwl @nrc.gov>

Date: 01/04/2007 2:08:55 PM

Subject:

FW: Pilgrim in the News This is the other news item I spoke of in my voice mail.

See the attached PDF file.

Bill

---

Original Message -----

From: Ryan, Joanne Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2007 10:13 AM To: Balduzzi, Michael (Pilgrim Station); Gottlieb, Laurence; Bronson, Kevin; Smith, Robert G. (PNP); Raymond, William; Alexander, John; Sowdon, Thomas; Sowdon, Thomas; Bethay, Stephen; Lach, David J; Ford, Bryan

Subject:

Pilgrim in the News Attached are newsclips from last week.

Joanne Ryan Entergy - Pilgrim Station Communications 508-830-8200 508-830-8357 Fax Jryanl @entergy.com

---

Original Message -----

From: PNP560_DoNotReply@ Entergy.com

Entergy.com

Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2007 8:55 AM To: Ryan, Joanne

Subject:

Scan from a Xerox WorkCentre Pro Please open the attached document. It was scanned and sent to you using a Xerox WorkCentre Pro.

Sent by: Guest [PNP560_DoNotReply@Entergy.com]

Number of Images: 10 Attachment File Type: PDF WorkCentre Pro Location: ESB 1St FIr Nuc Info Device Name: PNP560

c:\temp\GW}°°°°1 .TMP 'Page 1.,]

Mail Envelope Properties (459D4E3E. 1F7 : 5 : 16887)

Subject:

FW: Pilgrim in the News Creation Date 01/04/2007 1:57:29 PM From: "Raymond, William" <WRaym90@entergy.com>

Created By: WRaym90 @entergy.com Recipients nrc.gov kpl po.KPDO WJR (William Raymond) nrc.gov TWGWPO04.HQGWDO01 ARWI (Alicia Williamson)

Post Office Route kpl-po.KP_DO nrc.gov TWGWPO04.HQGWDO01 nrc.gov Files Size Date & Time MESSAGE 1035 01/04/2007 1:57:29 PM ScanOO1.PDF 955906 Mime.822 1311425 Options Expiration Date: None Priority: Standard ReplyRequested: No Return Notification: None Concealed

Subject:

No Security: Standard Junk Mail Handling Evaluation Results Message is eligible for Junk Mail handling This message was not classified as Junk Mail Junk Mail settings when this message was delivered Junk Mail handling disabled by User Junk Mail handling disabled by Administrator Junk List is not enabled Junk Mail using personal address books is not enabled

......... . . ..Page j14 1L,?biaýWjllamson -ScanO0i.PDF CURRENT CLIPS FROM THE iEntergy / PILGRIM, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PUBLICATION: gK)/e(6 Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. DATE:

.  :'  :

PAGE:

Plymouth official quits out of frustration with NRC By Robert Knox tended public hearing in Plymouth library. Pilgrim rLOE CORRESIPJIDENT employees praised the plant's operation, but most PLYMOU-FH - The head of the town's Nuclear other residents raised concerns about security, emer-Matters Committee has resigned, criticizing the nu- gency evacuation, and public health. A month later,.

clear industry's federal regulators for failing to listen the committee issued its report saying selectmen to the public's concerns about the security of nuclear should back relicensing only if issues such as improv-power plants such as the Pilgrim plant. ing emergency response plans and radiation monitor-Jeff Berger, owner of a Plymouth-based marketing ing are addressed.

communications company, chaired the committee' But despite the committee's report, the town has that last year produced a lengthy set of recommenda- kept a low profile at public meetings, while private tions to advise the town on Pilgrim's request to ex- itizerLs have taken the lead in challenging NRC staff tend its license. assessments of issues. iuxbury-based Pilgrim Watch, "Bottom fine, the NRC" - the Nuclear Regulatory for example, succeeded in convincing the nuclear ex-Commission - "is in the pocket of the nuclear indus- perts panel that oversees the relicensing review to try," Berger stated in an e-mail to Town Manager hold hearings on two issues.

Mark Sylvia. He also described the agency as consist- The Nuclear Matters Committee also studied the ing of "obstinate, supercilious, arrogant, obnoxious possibility of forming a national alliance of communi-individuals" who care more about the letter of regula- ties hosting or living near nuclear reactors to advo-tions than public safety. cate to Congress and the federal government for their While there was no single incident that soured his interests. But Berger said he has grown less hopeful of view of the NRC, Berger cited the behavior of one offi- an alliance's potential to influence decisionis. He said cial for "looking bored and slkyward" when local resi- he decided to step down from an official role so that dents at a meeting in Plymouth criticized Pilgrim and he might express his oiwn opinions frecly "doing everything but really listening to what people . "For the safet" of the cnuntry, the NRC has to be are saying'" A lack of genuine attention to public con- changed," he said.

cents symbolizes the agencTy's attitude, Berger said. In his resignation letter Wednesday, Berger said NRC spokesman Neil Shechan said anyone with that at a time of growing concerns over climate concerns "with or about us" can coniact the agency's change from carbon dio.xide emissions, alternatives Office of the Inspector General "if there is a belief that such as nuclear power should he embraced. However, sian employee of the NRC is acting niappropriately." the NRC "pays only lip service to the issues that As an example of the igencv' attention to public should he at the top f its agenda and routinely ig-S concerns, Sheehan cited a rnetilog last month with nores" voicesof'genrine concern. such as tie state at-area government officials to update theni and answer torney generalss, he said.

qllestions. 'Ve ftoild tlie ;css"m *1oh1)"e,"trem ely prn- Attorney General Toi R1liiy's recent petition to ductive andt the attendees to be !ighiy nig;igcl," place the issue Of Cl,-sitI storage of liuclear waste on Sheehan said via Q-mail. the table or licensing review was turned down by the Berger said he v' iuntelirei rr *l.' cliar ci Mat- NRC.

!,.rs Committee five'c s ago over voniern that P'- "'he NtC %,TI hold a lctlng in Plyrnouth on Jai.

i'i'a ,as a tempting target '-r i <rrnortr ainidhe still 24 to take public roiln 01 on the ;!gency's recent en-hIs that wonris IIc sIde he niui*LlyI, eali T! NRC virrilolncetrl ;:l'n ef pe'CIt which concluded there a4

,;i v,-a ,chd,)gbUt C V, te it :iý i: i!',it I r:,

S  :- arc 110 likely -nciui':oiui~iylleicvIs froin keep-rcaiOr rather thaw the pub iic:2. igl 'ilrim open ;ht ira'v .sio;:; ý':flotigh to throw re-

.\. Eic nteoi y' Coi ?il  : I.P:!Cl I0iG" lni'i winter>htie lii: c; ,"'  :  : 'n -

1ý Alicia Williamson - Scan0OI..PDF Page 2 ;1

(

I CIURRENT CLIPS FROM THE PILBIM COMMUN11CATIONS OFFICE PUBLICATION: -ý5& h~ &

6Fe D~ATE: 12J31106 PAGE:

Ed Colley's View MY 6OLf~~

kgr~f#5 AR Awr64L w77N wPIL14M LIC6If0 -

ENOIqAS POO, M,t Pbmr rXeS.

Alicia Williamson - ScanO0l .PDF Paqe 3;1 CURRENT CLIPS F~ROM THE

,wmEntergy Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

It'I PILARIM, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PUBLICATION: LL4p b

Ptgnm Statvcn 600 Rocky HA Road DATE.:, 3 Pý,mcuir.. MA '2-360--5CEI Tel AC863 --815- PAGE: I

.

Adicia Williamson - ScanOO 1.PDF .....

CURRENT CLIPS FROM THE

)t PIL&RIM COMMUUNICATIONS OFFICE SEntergy PUBLICATION: OLL C6  ?,A tD Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. DATE: 4 bU pad Property taxes hold, for now PLYMOUTH - The tax rate The tax rate for 2007 will be by $10 million in 2008.

in Plymouth will decrease, but $9.96 per $1,000 assessed value The town is negotiating an, property taxes will stay about for both residential and com- agreement with Entergy, the the same in 2007. mercial properties. That is a owner of Pilgrim nuclear Selectmen decided in 23-cent decrease from the fis- power plant. for a new payment December to keep the unified cal year 2006 rate of $9.88 per in lieu of taxes agreement. The tax rate, despite the protests of $1,000. current agreement expires in many homeowners who say According to Dunn, the aver- 2012, when Pilgrim's operating commercial property owners age residential tax bill will be license expires. Entergy wants are not paying their fair share. $3,457,43, a $44.88 increase to extend the plant's operating However, Director of over the average tax bill in license for another 20 years.

Assessing Anne Dunn has said 2006. , The town has put aside the commercial base in

• But fiscal year 2008 is loom- money in a stabilization fund.

Plymouth is much too small to ing. It begins July 1. 2007. but that fund only has enough handle a shift in the tax bur- The payment in lieu of taxes money to cover the loss for two den. made by Entergy will decrease years.

AicaWilliamson -ScanQ0l .PDF -ý*~---

Age5

,/, CURRENT CLIPS FROM THE PILGRIM COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PUBLICATION: OLL) OtWfMI AJ@OW14Z DATE: 12-~3e PA&E: ___

Berger resigns Nuclear Matters Committee member frustrated by NRC Sy Casey Meserve review. The NRC does not look cmeserve@cnc.com at evacuation or emergency PLYMOUTH - Calling the planning in the environmental Nuclear Regulatory review.

Commission a "contemptible He wrote that the NRC was sham" Jeff Berger resigned created as a watchdog over from the Nuclear Matters com- nuclear power, but has become mittee Wednesday afternoon in a lapdog for the nuclear indus-an email to Town Manager try.

Mark Sylvia. Berger wrote that he is not Berger, formerly the com- opposed to nuclear power, and mittee chairman, had been on still thinks it is a viable way to the NMC for five years. decrease the use of fossil fuels, He said his resignation which emit carbon dioxide, stems from the frustration he's adding to global warming.

felt when the committee "It seems to me that states

Alicia Williamson - Scan001 .PDF Paoe 6 1 I

........-

---

.

CURRENT CLIPS FROM THE it, PILGRIM COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

-- Entergy PUBLICATION: OLC) no Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

Sta'er' DATE; la'V36' /0L P*ad "G2EC-5 PA&E: '

Relicensing continues tentions thrown out. tentatively scheduled for Jan.

The process to It wi be up to the five mem- 24.

Comments from the January extend the bers of the presidentially appointed commission to make meeting will be taken under consideration as the NRC staff -,

nuclear power the final decision on Pilgrim Watch and the attorney gener- prepares the final environmen' -'

plant's license al.

NRC spokesman Neil tal report, to be issued in July.

Another report will also be -

will run through Sheehan said if one oi more hearing is granted, the reli-issued in July. The safety evalu-ation report with open items, a the year censing process will take about 30 months. Without a hearing, report on the safety and aging -

of the plant and its compo-PLYMOUTH - It has been the process usually takes 22 nents, will. be issued that i nearly a year since Entergy months. month, with a draft version applied to the Nuclear "If no hearing is granted, issued in May.

Regulatory Commission to there could be a final decision Apublic meeting will be held renew the operating license of on the Pilgrim application in sometime in the summer on -

Pilgrim nuclear power plant late November," Sheehan said. the safety evaluation report. 'j and it may be another year "If there is a hearing granted, A fourth step in the process before the NRC makes its final we're looking for a decision in will also be concluded thi decision. July, 2008." year. The advis6r.F committe' The relicensing process for Pilgrim Watch and the attor- on reactor safeguards, a pane"j Pilgrim will continue in 2007. It ney general's office, with of nuclear reactor safetI will probably extend into 2008, Martha Coakley as the new experts, acts as an advisory..

if Pilgrim Watch and the attor- attorney general, are hoping committee to the NRC. Th'n ney general's office have any- the process lasts until 2008. advisory committee will dis-thing to do about it. In the meantime, the public cuss the Pilgrim application Pilgrim Watch, a nuclear meeting process continues. during a subcommittee meet-power watchdog group, along The NRC will hold two pub- ing in April. The full advisory with Mass. Attorney General lic meetings in January to committee will discuss the Tom Reilly filed petitions to describe the results of the application in September, intervene in the relicensing NRC's environmental review of according to Sheehan, -.

process with the Nuclear Pilgrim. The commission The public is invited to ask Regulatory Commission. released a draft of its environ- questions concerning the envi-The attorney general's peti- mental impact statement con- ronmental review and may tion was turned down, and is cerning the impact Pilgrim has comment in vTiting to the NRC being appealed, but several on the environment surround- bv Feb. 28 at Chief, Rules contentions in Pilgrim Watch's ing the plant. Review and Directives Branch, petition were admitted. "We're still firming Ltp the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory However, Entergy and NRC dates for public meetings." said Commissiot., Mail Stop T6-staff members filed appeals to Sheehan. D59.. Washington. DC 20555-have Pi!grim Watch*s con- H1lsaiid 1h1 ieetrings are 000 1.

Alicia Wi~amSýoýýrnSýafOOl .PDF -

CURRENT CLIPS FROM THE PILGRIM COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PUBLICATION: a ;1(

DATE: )l 9 D .

PAGE:  !© The environmen I and security threats of Duxbury is directly across the bay from PIgrim clear power reactor- a known terrorist target.a nu- ties, including Duxbury, impacted by Pilgrim's you Are emnissions. They found a satisfied with current security measures? four-fold increase the For example, will a couple of buoys closer one lived or worked at Pilgrim floating and made "No Trespassing" signs and an four recommendations, yet to be implemented occasional as intended.

Coast Guard drive-by keep terrorists out? The recommendations included requiring Will passenger screening limited to major system of real-time monitoring ofradionuclidea airports protect against smaller aircraft loaded emissions placed in surrounding with explosives leaving secondary communities airports? so that reliable and timely data would Will state police get to Pilgrim on time to pro- able to assess exposure; implementingbe avail-vide the support needed by onsite a state security allowable radioactive air emission guards to block a land-based attack? standard And appre- more stringent and protective of ciating that even the best security can public health reduce, but than currently in use by federal

,

._Aia w iýllioamson - Scan00.P.DF . . . .a aMRENT aLps FROM ThE*

Ent rg 1 PUBLICATION:

Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

Plgnm Station DATE:

6.3CRociKII HA*Road P',rreutn. M C236C-5..58 PA6E:

ae KG8a3c 5895

-"ax 5,2.8K.-, K,57 luke watchdog head resigns, blasts NRC 3y PatriotLedger staff ILYMOUTH - The head of a town committee that acts as a watchdog over the Pilgrim nuclear plant has resigned, calling the Nuclear legulatory Commission "a contemptible sham" that imperils the safety of people who live near nuclear plants.

Jeff Berger stepped down this week as chairman of the nuclear matters committee.

'Iam far too busy, and my time is far too valuable, to waste any more of it banging my head against the NRC wall when it is clear that the trrogance, haughtiness, bull-headedness, and overall incompetence of the NRC continues unabated," Berger said in his resignation letter to 3electmen.

k spokeswoman for Pilgrim plant owner Entergy declined to comment on Berger's resignation, but said the company will continue to 2ooperate with the committee.

,ommission spokesman Neil Sheehan said the agency will forward Berger's comments to the Office of Inspector General, an independent sody that investigates "any concerns about fraud or abuse or inappropriate behavior by an agency employee."

'We're not aware of any interactions between Mr. Berger and us that would provoke this sort of comment," Sheehan said.

E3erger served on the committee for alrmost five years, longer than any other member. He was the only one who remained on the panel after it disintegrated last year amid complaints that selectmen had not provided adequate leadership, some members did not participate and a Pilgrim spokesman had treated them rudely. Selectmen revived the group in May 2005 by appointing six new members.

More recently, Berger and other committee members have clashed with federal regulators over Pilgrim owner Entergy's bid to extend the plant's license. '..... ... ... .. .. . .

.... ............

Members criticized evacuation plans to protect the public in an accident or terrorist attack against Pilgrim and said the commission's requirements are inadequate.

F3erger echoed many of those criticisms in his resignation letter. He likened the approved emergency plans to "children's fairy tales" and said the commission "gives lip service to the still very real prospect of a terrorist attack" on the Pilgrim plant.

"Entergy is obeying the law but behaving in a way that will endanger the people of Plymouth in a serious nuclear accident or attack because the NRC negligently (and stupidly) allows it to," he wrote.

He also criticized regulators for allowing the plant to test for "potentially lethal emissions" of radiation in only one location, inside Pilgrim property. If a plume of radiation changes course, people fleeing an accident or attack might be sent to an area in the path of thae.MiaignzsbJa, ___

said.

Sheehan said the commission's rules bar considering evacuation plans during license renewal proceedings. "That needs to be dealt with on an ongoing basis," he said.

Berger said he had asked to join the committee soon after the.Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, where his daughter-in-law had been working on that day. "My reason for joining was deep concern about the possibility of an attack on Pilgrim Station," he said.

At the time, he was "neutral" about the nuclear power industry, he said. He still does not oppose nuclear plants but he is no longer unbiased about the commission, Berger said.

Plymouth needs an unbiased chairman for its Nuclear Matters Committee, Berger said.

Alici.a Wi!iamson - ScanO01 .PDF .. .Page9J CUIRW MIPS FROM THE 11 1 PILGRIM COM#MLIýacATIONS OFFICE PUBLICATION: _E Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

P gen~ Staticrn ClATE: 2 6CC ROCkl/ -si P~ad PAGE:

eca 63&C ý895 o~s 7 Nuke watchdog panel head quits in huff over NRC

'I am far too busy, and my time is far too plant's license.

SOLTHOFBOSTON.COM valuable, to waste any more of it banging my Members criticized evacuation plans to pro-PLYMOUTH--The head of a town commit- head against the NRC wall when it is clear that tect the public in an accident or terrorist attack tee that acts as a watchdog over the Pilgrim the arrogance, haughtiness, bull-headedness, against Pilgrim and said the commission's re-nuclear plant has quit out of frustration with and overall incompetence of the NRC contin- quirements are inadequate.

weak. federal regulators who endanger the ues unabated," Berger said in his resignation Berger echoed many of those criticisms in public, he says. letter to selectmen. his resignation letter. He likened the approved Jeff Berger resigned Wednesday as chair- Berger served on the committee for almost five years, longer than any other member. emergency plans to "children's fairy tales" and man of the Nuclear Matters Committee, call- to the ing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 'a More recently Berger and other committee said the commission "gives lip service attack" on contemptible sham" that 'imperils the safety of members have clashed with federal regulators still very real prospect of a terrorist American citizens" living near nuclear plants. over Pilgrim owner Entergy's bid to extend the the Pilgrim plant.

Ac!ia. Wi/liamson - ScanOoi.PDF CURRENT CLIPS FROM THE

-- Entergy 1/1 PIL6RIM COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PUBLICATION;. Z6qAt)414 Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. DATE;. ý1;6

SJa.cn

', ! ,_C:;,cod PAGE: -69 Where agendas clash Relicensing the nuclear power plant brings out true believers on both sides PLYMOUTH - Pilgrim nuclear Town Meeting agreed to spend rorism and emergency planning as Cape Cod Bay and rainbow smelt power plant's original license S1.5 million to hire a team of it reviews licensing applications. in the Jones River.

expires in 2012, but plant owner lawyers to negotiate a payment The NRC has never refused a Former Massachusetts Attorney Entergy decided to begin the plan with Entergy. relicensing application for a com- General Thomas Reilly and the renewal process a little early. Because the NRC has systems in mercial nuclear power plant. nonprofit watchdog group Pilgrim From the first public hearing on place to plan for emergencies and Thirty-nine plants have received Watch petitioned the NRC to inter-the relicensing process in March, test those plans, evacuation and 20-year extensions. vene in the relicenasng process.

no speaker at any hearing has related issues fall outside the reli- In December, the NRC came out That process will last 22 to 30 lacked an agenda. censing process. As do the issue of with a draft of the environmental months. Relicensing would allow Whether it was marine life, spent fuel storage on plant proper- impact statement. The report stat- the plant to operate for another 20 watershed associations, public ty. Those issues have not disap- ed that relicensing the plant would years. Entergy can file for a second safety or taxes, everyone who peared yet, as a California court have a small to moderate impact on operating extension then.

spoke at the NRC's public meet- ordered the NRC to consider ter- the population of winter flounder in iags became an advocate for some-thing, and was either for relicens-ing or against it.

Entergy is Plymouth's largest employer and provides the town with about 11 percent of its munici-pal budget In 2008, however, Entergy's payments in lieu of taxes will decrease by $10 million until Pilgrim's operating license expires in 2012.

Relicensing the plant could mean a windfall to the town's cof-fers, or it could be a bust. in May,