ML20147B823

in ,Author Was Informed That Us Geological Survey & an Independent Consulting Firm Were Advising NRC on Matters Re Subj Facil Geology & Seismology.Requests a Rept on Status of Proceedings

ML20147B823
Person / Time
Site:	Vallecitos File:GEH Hitachi icon.png
Issue date:	09/11/1978
From:	Tower J SENATE
To:	Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
Shared Package
ML19261A240	List: ML20147B823 ML20147B835 ML20147B852
References
NUDOCS 7810110203
Download: ML20147B823 (2)

Text

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i September 11, 1978 Mr. Joseph M. Hendrie Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Comn:ission 1717 H Street, N . W .

Washington, D. C . 20555

Dear Mr. Chairman:

Ir. a December 20, 1977 letter to you, I expressed concern about the potentially serious consequences of the Commission's order directing the General Electric Company to suspend operation of its VLilecitos test reactor at Pleasanton, Cali-fc rnia . In my letter, I urged that the Commission, among other things, consider appointment of a special task force composed of independent, private geological censultants to speed up the process of obtaining the necessary geological data upon which to base a decision regarding resumption of operation of the Vallecitos facility .

Ir. a letter dated February 9,1978, William J . Dircks, then Assistant Executive Director for Operations, replied for the Commission that:

, Witn regard to the appointment of a special task force to gain the necessary geological information as quickly as possible, we would like to point out that we have already asked the U. S . Geological Survey (USGS) and the independent consulting firm of Newmark & Hall to provide consultation and advice in the creas of geology, seismology and structaral analysis. We have also sought and obtained advice from the California Division of Mines and Geology in the area of landslides . It is our view that the establishment of a special task force at this time would not speed up the process, but would more likely require additional time.

Considerable time has elapsed since these statements were made and yet it is my understanding that the matter is still a long way from resolution. I continue tc be greatly concerned about this matter and about the long delays involved in the Ocmmission's investigations of it.

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9 Mr. Joseph M. Hendrie Page Two September 11, 1978 Please provide me with a report on the status of this proceeding, including some indication of the time when a decision on resumption of operation of the Vallecitos test reactor may be expected. I would also like to know if it is still the Commission's opinion that appointment of the special geological task force, which I recommend, would delay possible resumption of operation.

Enclosed for your convenience is a copy of my December 20, 1977 letter together with a copy of the Commission's February 9,1978 reply signed by Mr. Dircks.

Sincerely yours, yn I fi n Tower IT:rs i

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