ML18089A181

Comments on Recent Near melt-down at Facility.Nrc Should Begin to Enforce Regulations as Required by Law & Shut Down Obviously accident-prone Plants

ML18089A181
Person / Time
Site:	Salem
Issue date:	06/08/1983
From:	Baty D AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
To:	NRC
References
NUDOCS 8306140604
Download: ML18089A181 (2)

Text

• • Box 26, Dlixon, MT.

59831 June 8,,. 1983 6~.,z1Zr

Director, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Recently,, through a public radio broadcast and information gathered from a friend I iving in Newark, Delltiware, I learned of the near melt down of the Salem nuclear power plant in New Jersey. Although not as traumatic as the ellisaster some 3 years ago at Three Mile Island,, this current accident forcibly reminds us al I of the dangers inherent in nuclear power.

Twice in one week, aa instrument failed at Salmm which spokesmen for your agency had stated could fail only once in a mil lion years.

Twice in one week. How much hyperbole, how many industry serving I ies Will we, the American public accept? It is my fear that we will wait until a future meltdown occurs be-fore* reacting with rage and dismay.

We need not wait for disaster though. If your agency would begin the enforcement of regulations which you are requieed by law to enforce, and if you would shut down the* more obviously accident prone* plants such as Salem, a tragedy may be averted. Your respohsibi'I ity should be to the American pub I ic, not the nuclear industry.

I am writing also to my representatives in Washington, requesting that Congressional initiatives be faken to close the Salem power plant.

If you would, however, enforce existing statutes, such action would not be necessary. It is disturbing, to say the least~ to learn through news accounts, of how routinely the NRC grants variances to regulations which Congress passes.

PI ease recognize* your respons i bi I i ty to the peop I e and to Congress and begin regulating the industry rather than defending and promoting it.

Thank you for your consideration of these views. Waiting for your reply, I remain, Sincerely, Douglas Baty~

8306140604 830608 PDR ADOCK 05000272 H PDR

~'

I )o

~---11111!11111111---!l!l"!I"!--~~-~--,'(

, i I~

Box 26 Dixon, MT 59831 Director, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

'!J Washington,, D.c *.

20555 I1rI11111111hf11I1I11,l 1I111Il1 I