ML20138E556

Expresses Concern Over TVA Request to Restart Plant by End of Yr.Concern Stems from Deficiencies Reported by Joint TVA-WESTEC Svcs,Inc Review of Environ Qualification Activities.Rept Encl

ML20138E556
Person / Time
Site:	Sequoyah, Susquehanna
Issue date:	11/01/1985
From:	Cooper J, Lloyd M HOUSE OF REP.
To:	Palladino N NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
Shared Package
ML19306B153	List: ML20138E539 ML20138E556 ML20138G187
References
NUDOCS 8512130481
Download: ML20138E556 (2)

Text

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The Honorable Nunzio J. Palladino Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Commission 1717 H Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Chairman Palladino,

Because of our continued interest in the problems the Tennessee Vallei Authority (TVA) is experiencing with its nuclear program, we are writing to express our concern over TVA's request to restart the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant by the end of this year.

Although we are very interested in the sequoyah plant resuming operation as soon as possible, we feel it is vitally important that the safety of such operations be guaranteed in advance.

Our concern stems from deficiencies reported by a joint TVA-WESTEC Services review of Environmental Qualification (EQ) activities conducted within TVA's Office of Engineering on the Browns Ferry, Sequoyah, and Watts Bar nuclear facilities.

The team analyzed TVA activities and the technical documentation thereof to determine the degree of compliance with the EQ standards required by law in 10 CFR 50.49. As you know, environmental qualification is required because it helps assure that safety-related equipment will perform adequately in the event of an accident.

The team issued a report, which we are enclosing, stating that there were some 1,800 violations at Sequoyah. The report goes on to state, "although the review team judges that certain aspects of the EQ program are satisfactory, there are several 'other unsatisfactory aspects to lead the team to conclude that documented qualification has not been established for the large majority of equipment reviewed." Furthermore, the team concluded, " based on its review of the TVA EQ program at Knoxville. .. , qualification has not been established for many equipment items."

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The Honorable Nunzio J. Palladino PAGE 2 November 1,1985 In light of these significant findings, we respectfully request that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission thoroughly address these 7' concerns, and we recommend that you place the highest priority on the resolutfori'of these issues before the NRC allows the restart of the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant.

Thank you for your time and attention to this request. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, MARILYN LLOYD JIM C P Member of Congress Me r of Congress Enclosure