ML20086P759

Georgians Against Nuclear Energy Request for Hearing on Conversion of Georgia Tech Research Reactor from Use of HEU to Leu.*

ML20086P759
Person / Time
Site:	Neely Research Reactor
Issue date:	07/06/1995
From:	Carroll G GEORGIANS AGAINST NUCLEAR ENERGY
To:	NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
Shared Package
ML20086P739	List: ML20086P759
References
OM, NUDOCS 9507270118
Download: ML20086P759 (5)

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s DOCKETED Docket No. 50-160 USNRC GEORGIANS AGAINST NUCLEAR ENERGY REQUEST FOR HEARING 15 J110 P2:58 ON CONVERSION OF GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH REACTRTICE OF SECRETARY FROM THE USE OF HIGH-ENRICHED URANIUM FUEL TO LOW-ENR M ijNGN&Ug{gggg BRANCH Georgians Against Nuclear Energy (GANE) respectfully petitions the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct hearings concerning the NRC's order dated June 16,.1995, which gives NRC authorization to Georgia Tech to convert its 30-year-old reactor from using high-enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium.

GANE is currently intervening before the NRC concerning the renewal of Georgia Tech's expired license. GANE's contention that the facility is vulnerable to radiological sabotage or acts of terrorism during the Olympic Games which will be held in Atlanta in July 1996 has been accepted by the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board chaired by Charles Bechhoefer.

GANE is concerned that all the folks at the NRC making decisions concerning Georgia Tech's 30-year-old reactor which sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta on the college campus which will house 10,000 athletes from all over the world next summer, do not have the full picture when they make their decisions.

The Georgia Tech Research Reactor's license is currently under litigation. It is incredible that the NRC would authorize this detailed, lengthy fuel switch operation for a facility whose license is currently expired, and which renewal is in question.

In Georgia Tech's appeal to the order granting GANE a hearing concerning security at the Olympics, Georgia Tech makes the announcement that it intends to remove the high-enriched uranium FROM THE REACTOR prior to the Olympics and replace the fuel with low-enriched uranium after the Olympics. While GANE is seeking clarification of Georgia Tech's announcement through its litigation process, phone inquiries have caused us to interpret this proposed l Georgia Tech activity as grossly inadequate to ensure safety of residents and visitors to Atlanta.

Georgia Tech apparently means to keep uranium ON-SITE, out of the reactor during the Olympics. GANE notes that in a similar proceeding prior to Los Angeles' hosting the summer Olympic Games in 1984, UCLA's reactor operation came under scrutiny. It was learned that UCLA was keeping its fresh uranium fuel IN A FILE CABINET. GANE begs the NRC to I

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coordinate the processes authorized in the June 16 order with-the current healthy scrutiny you are participating in as regards Olympic security at the facility. GANE reminds yo' of recent news reports concerning "Unabomber" who has eluded capture for 18 years, frequently targeting universities and high technology with deadly explosives.

GANE contends that the only way to assure the millions of affected people that the reactor is completely secure from threat of radiological sabotage is to remove all its radioactive inventory from the site. GANE has analyzed to the best of our ability the inventory and the removal process a.nd time required and believes that in order to ensure safety at the reactor, the removal process should begin in October of 1995. Please refer to this docket and the materials that j have been submitted since October 1994.

GANE urges the Commission to include this hearing request and proceeding within the intervention which GANE has currently underway, as Olympic security issues must be dealt with immediately.

Respectfully submitted, 4

0-Glenn Carroll Representative for GANE Dated and signed July 6, 1995 in Decatur, Georgia GANE Georgians Against Nuclear Energy 139 Kings Highway Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-GANE l

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1 32516 Fed;ral Regist:r / Vcl. 60. NA 120 / Thursday, June 22, 1995 / Notices

' ,;, =

that tLe new delivery Ranctor (GTRR or the facility) at steady.

(1) reduos to one day from the current FGT ten days the period during which OG point will co tstructed near mile post state power levels up to 5 megawatts 10.0 on its existing 4-inch Homestead thermal (MWt). The research reactor is avk' notify an existing Shipper of any located in the Neely Nuclear Research o!Iers deemed superior to existing lateral (Township 56 South, Range 39 J east, Section 23) and will include a new Center,in the north central portion of Shipper's offered terms of extension of sapacity covered by an expiring 2 inch tap, prusure regulation, a rotary the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta, meter, approximately 50 feet of 2 inch Georgia.

contract; and ,

(2) reduce to one day from the current line, and related ap urtenant facilldes. g )

ten days the period during which an FCT states that th ty Gas Company of Florida (CGC), a Division of NUI On February 25,1986, the U.S. 1 existing off system Shipper can decide l whether to exercise the right-of fint. Corporation, requested this delivery Nuclear Regulatory) Commission (NRCol refusal to mattb the highest bid. point. FGT pro to make gaa i deliveries to of approximately 75 rule in 5 50.64 of Title 10 of the Code OG states that copies of this filing of Federal Regulations (to CFR 50.64) were served upon all OG jurisdictional MMBtu per day and 27,375 MMBru limiting the use of high enriched annually on an interruptible basis.

transportation custorners and State Construction will be on the property site uranium (HEU) fuella domestic Commissions where OC provides research and test reactors (non-power of CGC's new custorner. FGT will be reactors)(see 51 FR 6524).The rule, transportation service, reimbursed by CGC for the estimated Any person desiring to be heard or to cost of 583,000, inclusive of tax gross- which became effective on March 27, protest said Eling should Sie a motion 1986, requires that each licensee of a to intervene or a protest with the up.

it hasThe end use sufScient is industrial.

capacity FGTallstates non power reactor (NPR) replace its to continue Federal EnerEy Regulatory Commission, HEU fuel with low-enriched uranium e25 North Capitol Street, N.E., services without detriment or (LEU) fuel acx:eptable to the disadvantage to its other customers.

Washington.D C. 20426,in accordance ADy Person or the Commission's staff Commission. This replacement is with Sections 385.211 and 385.214 of may, within 45 days after issuance of contingent upor/ Federal Government the Commission's Rules of Practice and the instant notice by the Commission, funding for conversion-related costs, Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211). file pursuant to Rule 214 of the and is required unless the Commission l' All such petitions or protests should be Commission's Procedural Rules (18 CFR has determined that the reactor has a filed on or before June 23,1995. Protests 385.214) a motion to intervene or notice unique purpose as defined in to CFR will be considered by the Commission ofintervention and pursuant to Section 50.2.The rule is intended to promote in determining the appropriate action to 157.205 of the Regulations under the the common defense and security by be taken. but wi!! not serve to make Natural Gas Act (18 CFR 157.203) a reducing the risk of theft or diversion of protestants parties to the proceeding. HEU fuel used in non-power reactors protest to the request. If no protest is and the consequences to public health, Any person wishing to become a party cled within the time allowed therefor, must file a motion to inters ene. Copies the proposed activity shall be deemed to safety and the environment from such  ;

of this fihng are on file with the be authorized effective the day after the Potential theft or diversion. l commission and are as allable for public time allowed for filing a protest. If a Sections 50.64fb)(2)(1) and (ii) require inspection in the public reference room. protest is filed and not withdrawn that a licensee of an NPR (11 not initiate tu** d A' % **O" within 30 days after the time allowed acquisition of additional HEU fuel,if LEU fuel that is acceptable to the d#8 8 'N for filing a protest, the instant request Commission for that reactor is available IFR Dot 95-152't Fded 6-21-95. 8 45 aml shall be treated as an application for when the licensee proposes that

• • • C"' N authorization pursuant to Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act, acquisition, and (2) replace all HEU fuel in its possession with available LEU fuel Linwood A. Watson, fr.,

acceptable io the Commission for that  ;

(Docket No. CPS $-653-0001 Actirig Secretary. react r in accordance with a schedule i IFR Doc. 95-15263 Filed 6-21-05. 8 45 aml determined pursuant to 10 CFR Florida Gas Trans nission Company;

• * '" ***' " " 50.64(c)(2).

Notice of Request Under B:anket Section 50.64(c)(2)(1) requires. among Authorization er Es4st end Ucensu of an l lune 16.1995 NUCLEAR REGULATORY NPR authorized to possess and to use Take notice that on June 9.1995, COMMISSION and submit to the HEU fuel, develoffice of Nuclear Reactor Florida Gas Transmission Company (Docket No.60-160)

Director of the O f (TCT).1400 Smith Street, P.O. Box Regulation (Director, NRR) by March 27, 11BB. Houston. Te xas 77251-11BB. filed Georgle institute of Technology, 1987, and at 12 month intervals in Docket No CP95-553-000 a request (Georgta Tech Research R6 actor); thereafter, a written proposal for pursuant to Sections 157.205 and Order Modifying Facility Operating conforming to the requirements of the 157.212 of the Commission s Licensa No. R-47 rule.

Section 50.64(c)(2)(1) also requires the ReFu!ations under the Natural Gas Act I (1B CFR 157.205,157.212) for licensee to have the followin in its authorir.ation to construct and operate a The GeorEl a Institute of Technology proposal:(1) A certification t at Federal new delivery point in Dade County, (Georgia Tech or the licensee)is the Government funding for conversion is Florida under FGT's blanket certificate holder of Facility Operating License No. available through the U.S. Department issued in Docket No CPS 2-553-000 R-97 (the license) issued on December of Energy (DOE) or another pursuant to Section 7 of the Natural Gas 29.1964,by the U.S. Atomic Energy Federal agency and (2) a sche a7ule forr priate Act, all as more fully set forth in the Commission. The license, as amended conversion, based upon the availability request that is on file with the on June 6.1974 (Amenc' ment No.1) and of replacement fuel acceptable to the Commisdon and open to public by subsequent am end.nents, authorizes Commission for that reactor, and upon i I

inspection. operation of the Gex gle Tech Research consideration of other factors such as d s em- .

6 22, 1995 / Notices 32517 i Federal Register / Vol. 60, No.120 / Thursday, June i If a bearing is requested by the I common defense and security support a licensee or by a person whose interest

allability of shipping casks, conversion of the facility from the use is advenely affected, the Commission implementation of arrangements for of HEU to LEU fuelin accordance with will luue an Order designating the time available financial support, and reactor the attachment to this Order and the and place of any hearing. !f a hearing is schedule requirements that follow.The held, the issue to be considered at that usage.Section 50.64(c)(2)(iii) requires the attachment to this Order specines the licensee to include in its proposal, to hearing is whether this Order should be changes to the license and Technical sustained, th) extent required to effect conversion. Specifications that am needed intothe absence of any request for a all necessary changes to the license, implement the requirements of this facihty.or procedures.This paragraph hearing,the provisions specified in this Order.

also requires the licensee to submit Order aballbe effective and final 20 supporting safety analyses so as t IV de s from the date of ings. this Order without comply with the schedule established Accordingly, punuant to Sections 51, er order of P for conversion. $3. 57,101.104,161b,1611, and 161o . For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. .

Section 50.64(c)(2)(iii) also requins of the AtomicEnergy Act of1954,as Dated et Rockvtue.Md.,this 16th day of the Director.NRR. to review the licensee amended, and Commission regulations June 1995 proposal,to confirm the status of in to CFR 2.202 and to CFR 50.64,it is FrankI.Mirastia, F:ders! Government funding for I f hereby ordered that: Actin, pif,crar. Office o/ Nuclear Reactor I conversion, and to determine a final Facility Operating Licanae No. R-97 aegufotion. .

schedule if the licensee has submitted a be modified as stated in the Attachment To Order-Modifying schsdule for conversion. " ATTACHMENT TO ORDER Section 50 64(c)(31 requires the MODIFYING FACIUTY OPERATING Facility Operating Llegnse No. R-97 Director.NRR,to review the supporting UCENSE NO. R-97" by adding Ucense safety analyses and to issue an A. Ucense Conditions Revised and Conditions 2.B(4) and 2.C(4) on the Added by This Order appropriate Enforcement Order thirtieth day after the date of ,

directing both the consersion and, to the pubhcation of this Order in the Federal 2.B(2) Pursuant to the Act and to CFR extent consistent with protection of the Register and by revising the License Part 70," Domestic Ucensing of Special public health and safety, any necessa y Conditions 2.B(21 and 2.C(2) ard Nuclear Material." to possess, but not l changes to the license facihty, or Technical Specifications on the day the use, up to 4.9 kilograms of contained procedures. In the federal Register licensee receives an adequate number uranium 235 at enrichments greater notice of the final rule.the Commission and type of LEU fuel elements that are than 20 percent in the form of MTR type

%dicated that in most cases. If not all, necessary to operate the facility as reactor fuel until the existing inventory E.nforcement Order uould be issued specified in the licensee's proposal as of this fuelis removed from the facility.

nodify the bcense. supplemented.

Section 2.202. the current authority 2.B(4) Pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR for issuing Orders of all types,includinF V Part 70," Domestic Ucensing of Special Orders to modify bcenses, provides, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.202,the Nucien MatM 2 mive, pom among other things.that the bcensee or any other person adversely and use at any one time in connection Commission may modify a license by affected by this Order may submit an with the operation of the reactor up to serving an Order en the licensee The answer to this Order, and may request 8.85 kilograms of contained uranium- I licznsee or other person adursely a hearing on this Order within 20 days 235 at enrichments less than 20 percent effected by the Order may demand a in the form of MTR type reactor fuel, of the date of this Order.The answer b2arinF with respect to my pan or all may consent to this Order. Unless the 2.C(2) Techru, cal Specifications of the Order with;r. 20 das s from the answn consents to this Order,the The Technical Specifications e date of the notice er auth' otter period answer shall,in writing and under oath contained in Appendix A, as revised as the notice may prcude. or affirmation, set fonh the matters of through the Order Modifying Facihty UI fact and law on which the licensee or Operating Ucense No. R-97, dated June On January 2t,1993, as supplemented other person adversely 16,1995, and Amendment affected rehes No.10 are and the reasons as to why the Order hereby incorporated in the license. The

• l on March 2. Merch 2L and July 15. should not have been issued. Any '

licensee shall o rate the facility in 1994,the licenset subnitted a proposal request for a hearing shallbe submitted to convert from the t:se of HEU to the to the Secretary, U.S. Nuclear accordance wit the Technical use of LEU.This proposal contained Specifications. i Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Chief, descriptions of the mcdifications. Docketing and Service Section, 2 C(4) StartuP Test RePoet supponing safety analyses. and plans Washington,DC 20555. Copies also The licensee shall submit a startup for conversion. The conversion consists shallbe sent to the Director, Office of test report within six months after ,

of replacing HEl' with LEU fuel Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. ethieving initial criticality with low-  ;

elements The LEU fuel elements Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ennched uranium reactor fuelin i contain snaterial test reactor (MTR)-type Washington,DC 20555-0001, to the accordance with the Order Modifying hiel plates.with the fuel consisting of Assistant General Counsel for Hearings Facility Operating Ucense No. R-97.

y uranium silicide dispersed in an and Enforcement at the same address. dated }une 16,1995.This report shall be e

aluminum matris and cempletely clad and to the licensee if the hearing request sent as specified in 10 CFR 50.4

' in alumint.m alles Tt.ese plates'contain is by a person other than the licensee. " Written Communications."

l

- an enrichment ofless than 20 percent If a person other than the Ifeensee B.The Technical Specifications will l tranium-235. requests a hearing.that person shall set be revised by this Order in accordance The NRC staff has reviewed the fonh with panicularity the manner in nicensee's proposal for conversion to with the Enclosure to the Order g which the person's interest is adversely Modifying Facility Operating Ucense LEU fuel and tt e requirements of 10 affected by this Order and shall address g

., CTR 50 64 and has determined that thethe criteria set forth in to CFR 2.714(d). No R-97, dated June 16.1995,

{ public bealth and safety and the .

• l, I

.. 22, 1995 / Notices F;deral Register / Vet 80, No.120 / Thwsday, June ,

32518 '

Taas Ges states that the refund peaketNo.ates-sodesll reflects the not credit balances in its '

' 'c. 50-160, and as discussed in the TCA deferral accounts et March 31,

'*' Texas EasternTrenomisolon JetI evaluation for this Order

• Corporation; Notice of Compinance 1995 when its TCA trocker was

~

lFR Doc. 95-15293 Filed is21-45; 8.45 ami terminated.

Filing Texas Gas states that copies of the emme sees =**=

g'3 ,,5 $Ung have bwn uwed upon Tuas Take notles that on June 1,1995* ref '

Gas's customers receivinfons.unds and interested state commias Pursuant to Section 154.62 of the DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Commission's Regulations and in.s Any reon desiring to protest aald compliance with the Commission Bling a ould Sie a protest with the Federal Energy Reguistory March 17,1995 order in Docket No. Feders! Energy Regulatory Commission, Commission GT95-1W. Texas Eastern 825 North Cs itol Street NE.,

s ern) en ered a ted 5 f2 ee lations.

E****' " " Commission's Rules and Section 7(c) wwice mntract bMwoon Koch Osteway Pipetine Co.t Notlee of Texas Eastern, as Pipeline, and Public M sd pts aboul& led a w Proposed Changes in FERC Get Tariff service Electric and Gas Company before June 23,1995. Protests w!!! be underits firm Rate Schedule FTS-7, dered by the Com I i June 16.1995 Contract Number 331007. Texas Eastern [g*frminingtheapprop a action to be Take notice that on June 12,1995. *

• I taken,but will not serve to make Koch Cateway Pipeline Company (Koch ,],j' td on 7(c)': testants parties to the proceding.

Cateway) tendered for fil;ng as part of service contreets to the Commission in l of this filing m on Sie with the

{P es Docket No GT95-10-001,but Commission and are svt.'lable for public fts FERC Ces Tariff.Fifth Revised inspection in ne @c Refence Volume No.1. the following tariff sheets inadvertently omitted this entract.

effective April 1.1995: Texas Eastern requests that the Romn.

Commission waive all necessary rules 1.Inwood A.Watsen.Jr.,

Third Revised Sheet No.1 and regulations to permit the contract to Acting Secreary.

Koch Gateway states that the above become effective on the first day of the IFR Doc. 95-15268 Filed 6-21-e5; a:45 aml primary terms as stated in the continct. namo caos mr-es as referenced tariff sheet reflects Koch Texas Eastern states that a copy of the Gateway's compliance with the May 31. .t 1995. Office of the Pipeline Regulation letter of transmittal and its attached contract is being sent to Public Sonice IDocWoms-Sat W1 (OPR) Order in this proceeding Koch Electric and Gas Company.

Gsteway states that the tariff sheet has Any person desiring to protest said Viking Gas Trenamlaston Co.t Notice been filed to male a pagination change. filing should file a protest with the of Filing Additionally pursuant to the OPR Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, crder, Koch Gateway submits an June ss,1995.

825 North Capitol Street.N.E., Take notice that on June 14,1995, explanation for the tariff language Washington, D.C. 20426,in sa:ordance Viking Gas Transmission Company contained in Tariff Sheet No. 403 and with Section 385.211 of the (Viking), tendered for filing as part of its 502 of its tariff. Commission's Rules and Regulations. FERC Ces Tariff, First Revised Volume Koch Gateway also states that the All such protests should be filed on or No.1, the following revised tariff sheet, tariff sheet is be'ing rnailed to all parties befom June 23,1995. Protests will be proposed to be effective July 1,1995:

ted by se considered by the Commission in a in s roce ing- determining the appropriate action to be Third Revised Sheet No. 72 taken,but will not serve to make Viking states that the purpose of the Any perser. desirmg to protest said protestants parties to the proceedings. filing is to conform its tariff to the fihng should fue a pro:est with the Copies of this filing are on file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, requirements of Order No. 577-A.In 825 North Capitol Street, N.E.,

Commission and are available for public particular. Viking proposes to modify inspection in the Public Reference the capacity release provisions ofits Washington, D.C. 20426,in accordance tariff by changing from one calendar Room.

with Section 35 5.211 of the 2

Linwood A.Wataen )r month to 31 days the period durin Commission's Rules and ReFulations. Acting Secretary.

• c a be sesed a ss, l All such protests should be filed on or g trR Doc. 95-15264 Filed 6-21-05; 8:45 aml .

I before jurie 23.1995. Protests will be considered by the Comrnission in smeo coes mr.es.es p (tin orbiddi g determining the appropriate action to be led 1 taken,but will not ser e to make h],* dictionsbee customers d to affected f (Docket No. RP93-406-010) }

protestants parties ta the p oceeding. Maugdahy commissions. o m ission a Texas GasTransmission Corpwation; e a at a le fo u lic Notice of Filing of Refund Report go signg heard inspection in tne Public Reference -

to intervene or protest with the Fed +ral Room. June 16. t 995. Energy Regulatory Commission 825 Take notice that on June 12,1995 North Capitol Street, NE., Washington.

Linwood A. Watson.jr- Texas Gas Transmission Corporation DC 20426,in accordance with Rules 211 Actir s Secrets (Texas Ges) tendered for filing a refund and 214 of the Commission's Rules of l

IFR Doc. 95-15269 Tiled 6-21-95,8.45 am) " Port detailing a May 31,1995, Transportation Cost Adjustment (TCA) Practice and Procedure. All such s e s coon a m -ei.u motions or protests should be filed on Tracker refund of $13.252.957.15.

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