Text

LTR-15-0516 Representative Peter Welch, Letter Concerns Regarding the Decommissioning of Entergy'S Vermont Yankee Plant
	ML15288A499
Person / Time
Site:	Vermont Yankee File:NorthStar Vermont Yankee icon.png
Issue date:	10/14/2015
From:	Welch P; US Congress, US HR (House of Representatives)
To:	Baran J M, Burns S G, Ostendorff W C, Svinicki K L; NRC/Chairman, NRC/OCM
Shared Package
ML15288A500	List: ML15288A499; ML15303A121;
References
	LTR-15-0516
	Download: ML15288A499 (2)
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PETER WELCH Al LARGE, VERMONT CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP HOUSE DEMOCRATIC STEERING & POLICY COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE Qtnngress nf tq.e Nttitth §tatts lHnu.se of filepi*egentntiut

.6 !IQl. 20515-4500 COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM The Honorable Stephen Burns Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001

Dear Mr. Chairman:

October 14, 2015 2303 RAYBURN I iOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASlllllGTO'l, DC 20515 4500 202 225-4115 DISTRICT*

128 LAKESIDE AVEflUf Sum 235 BURllNGTON, VT 05401 (802) 652-2450 (888) 605 7270 Thank you for your testimony at the September 9, 2015 joint hearing of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittees on Energy and Power, and Enviromnent and the Economy.

I want to reiterate the concerns I raised at the hearing regarding the decommissioning of Entergy's Vermont Yankee plant located in Vernon, Vermont.

Specifically, I am deeply concerned about: I) the lack of state and local stakeholder involvement in the decommissioning process;

2) questionable uses of the Decommissioning Trust Fund by Entergy; and 3) the reality that the use of the SAFSTOR decommissioning procedure will effectively delay the full cleanup and redevelopment of the Vermont Yankee site for decades.

In addition, subsequent to that joint hearing, I have become very concerned about significant new developments in relation to Vermont Yankee emergency programs. The lack of meaningful stakeholder participation in decisions related to Vermont Yankee's decommissioning is unacceptable.

It is essential that Vermonters have a seat at the table tlu*oughout this process.

The NRC has failed to substantively engage state and local officials and appears to be increasingly relying on the perspective of the nuclear energy industry.

I request that you creatively engage local stakeholders in a manner that goes beyond standard regulatory procedures to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.

The Decommissioning Trust Fund should not be used for non-deconunissioning expenses.

It is my understanding that the fund can only be used for expenses that reduce radiological levels at the site. Yet the NRC has granted preliminary approval to Entergy for several exemptions

, including authorizing payment for spent fuel management

, attorney fees, and even the company's membership dues to the Nuclear Energy Institute.

These unjustified expenditure s will further delay*an already lengthy decommissioning process.

The NRC must be a careful PRltll ED Otl RECYCLED PAPER steward of the fund to ensure that these ratepayer dollars are not diverted to pay for inappropriate or unauthorized expenses.

I have significant concerns with the decision by Entergy to use the "SAFSTOR" method of decommissioning

. The use of SAFSTOR \-Viii delay clean-up, waste disposal, and remediation of the Vermont Yankee site for generations.

As a result, the conununity will be unable to redevelop the site for economically beneficial purposes.

While SAFSTOR clearly benefits Entergy, its use will render economic harm to the community

. As an alternative

, the NRC should consider accelerated options for decommissioning such as DECON, v,1hich would allow for prompt cleanup, redevelopment

, and reuse of the Vermont Yankee site. Jn addition to these three issues that I raised at the hearing, Vermont stakeholders have recently expressed concern about Vermont Yankee's emergency programs.

Specifically, it is my understanding that Entergy is proposing to reduce the size of the Emergency Planning Zone, reduce funding to the state of Vennont for emergency preparedness, and dismantle Vermont Yankee's Emergency Response Data System (ERDS). These proposals raise serious questions as to the ongoing safety precautions in place for a site that continues to be the host for a significant amount of highly-radioactive waste. While I understand that the NRC has already ruled on the issue of dismantling ERDS, I strongly urge the Commission to not prematurely reduce the size of the Emergency Planning Zone. I would also urge the Commission to bring Entergy to the table to negotiate in good faith with the State of Vermont on a reasonable level of financial support for emergency preparedness activities going forward.

As you know, Vermont Yankee is the first merchant nuclear power plant in the country to be decommissioned

. It is critical, therefore, that the NRC work closely with Vermont's stakeholders to get it right by developing a model for the decommissioning of other merchant plants that respects and resolves the concerns of state and local stakeholders.

I look forward to your timely response and stand ready to work with the Commission to address these issues. Sincerely

, Member of Congress PETER WELCH AT*lARGE, VtnMONl CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP HOUSE DEMOCRATIC STEERING & POLICY COMMITIEE OinngrtllG nf tq.e Nutt.eh COMMITIEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE 3Jiou1te of illepreJJentntiue.n 1Wlunl1ington

. IDQI. 2U515-45nn COMMITIEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM The Honorable Kristine L. Svinicki Commissioner U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington

, DC 20555-0001 Dear Commissioner Svinicki:

October 14, 2015 2303 RtWBURIJ HOUSE 0rFtCE BUILOl"G WAstmmToN, DC 20515 4500 202 225-4115 DISTRICT: 128 LAKES*DE AvrnuE SUITE 235 BunuNG ro,., VT 0540 l (802) 652-2450 (888) 605-7270 Thank you for your testimony at the September 9, 2015 joint hearing of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittees on Energy and Power, and Environment and the Economy.

I want to reiterate the concerns I raised at the hearing regarding the decommissioning of Entergy's Vermont Yankee plant located in Vernon, Vermont.

Specifically

, I am deeply concerned about: l) the lack of state and local stakeholder involvement in the decommissioning process;

2) questionable uses of the Decommissioning Trust Fund by Entergy; and 3) the reality that the use of the SAFSTOR decommissioning procedure

\.viii effectively delay the full cleanup and redevelopment of the Vermont Yankee site for decades.

In addition, subsequent to that joint hearing, I have become very concerned about significant new developments in relation to Vermont Yankee emergency programs. The lack of meaningful stakeholder participation in decisions related to Vermont Yankee's decommissioning is unacceptable.

It is essential that Vermonters have a seat at the table throughout this process.

The NRC has failed to substantively engage state and local officials and appears to be increasingly relying on the perspective of the nuclear energy industry.

I request that you creatively engage local stakeholders in a manner that goes beyond standard regulatory procedures to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.

The Decommissioning Trust Fund should not be used for non-decommissioning expenses.

It is my understanding that the fund can only be used for expenses that reduce radiological levels at the site. Yet the NRC has granted preliminary approval to Entergy for several exemptions

, including authorizing payment for spent fuel management, attorney fees, and even the company's membership dues to the Nuclear Energy Institute.

These unjustified expenditures will further delay an already lengthy decommissioning process.

The NRC must be a careful PRIN rm ON RECYCLED P/\PER steward of the fund to ensure that these ratepayer dollars are not diverted to pay for inappropriate or unauthorized expenses.

I have significant concerns with the decision by Entergy to use the "SAFSTOR" method of decommissioning.

The use of SAFSTOR will delay clean-up, waste disposal, and remediation of the Vermont Yankee site for generations.

As a result, the community will be unable to redevelop the site for economically beneficial purposes.

While SAFSTOR clearly benefits

Entergy, its use will render economic harm to the community.

As an alternative, the NRC should consider accelerated options for decommissioning such as DECON, which would allow for prompt cleanup, redevelopment, and reuse of the Vermont Yankee site. In addition to these three issues that I raised at the hearing, Vermont stakeholders have recently expressed concern about Vermont Yankee's emergency programs.

Specifically, it is my understanding that Entergy is proposing to reduce the size of the Emergency Planning Zone, reduce funding to the state of Vermont for emergency preparedness, and dismantle Vermont Yankee's Emergency Response Data System (EROS). These proposals raise serious questions as to the ongoing safety precautions in place for a site that continues to be the host for a significant amount of highly-radioactive vvaste. While I understand that the NRC has already ruled on the issue of dismantling EROS, I strongly mge the Commission to not prematurely reduce the size of the Emergency Planning Zone. I would also urge the Commission to bring Entergy to the table to negotiate in good faith with the State of Vermont on a reasonable level of financial support for emergency preparedness activities going forward.

As you know, Vermont Yankee is the first merchant nuclear power plant in the country to be decommissioned.

It is critical, therefore, that the NRC work closely with Vermont's stakeholders to get it right by developing a model for the decommissioning of other merchant plants that respects and resolves the concerns of state and local stakeholders.

I look forward to your timely response and stand ready to work with the Commission to address these issues. Sincerely, Member of Congress PETER WELCH CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP HOUSE DEMOCRATIC STEERING & POLICY COMMITIEE Qtu11gr.ess nf tq.e Enif .eh COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM The Honorable Jeff Baran Commissioner 3ROU.6£ Of fil£pl'£.6£lltUtiUl!lf lfilln.slfingtnn, mm 211515-451111 October 14, 2015 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Dear Commissioner Baran: 2303 fll\Y8URN HOUSE OHICt BUILDING WAstmimo11, DC 20515 4500 202 22H115 DISTRICT 128 LAKESIDE AVH'UE SUITE 235 BURLING ID", VT 05401 (8021652-2450 (888) 605 7270 Thank you for your testimony at the September 9, 2015 joint hearing of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittees on Energy and Power, and Environment and the Economy.

I want to reiterate the concerns I raised at the hearing regarding the decommissioning of Entcrgy's Vermont Yankee plant located in Vernon, Vermont.

Specifically, I am deeply concerned about: 1) the lack of state and local stakeholder involvement in the decommissioning process;

2) questionable uses of the Decommissioning Trust Fund by Entergy; and 3) the reality that the use of the SAFSTOR decommissioning procedure will effectively delay the full cleanup and redevelopment of the Vermont Yankee site for decades.

In addition, subsequent to that joint hearing, I have become very concerned about significant new developments in relation to Vermont Yankee emergency programs.

The lack of meaningful stakeholder participation in decisions related to Vermont Yankee's decommissioning is unacceptable.

It is essential that Vermonters have a seat at the table throughout this process.

The NRC has failed to substantively engage state and local officials and appears to be increasingly relying on the perspective of the nuclear energy industry.

I request that you creatively engage local stakeholders in a manner that goes beyond standard regulatory procedures to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.

The Decommissioning Trust Fund should not be used for 11011-deconunissioning expenses.

It is my understanding that the fund can only be used for expenses that reduce radiological levels at the site. Yet the NRC has granted preliminary approval to Entergy for several exemptions, including authorizing payment for spent fuel management, attorney fees, and even the company's membership dues to the Nuclear Energy Institute

. These unjustified expenditures will further delay an already lengthy decommissioning process.

The NRC must be a careful PRINTED RECYCLED PAPER steward of the fund to ensure that these ratepayer dollars are not diverted to pay for inappropriate or unauthorized expenses.

I have significant concerns with the decision by Entergy to use the "SAFSTOR" method of decommissioning.

The use of SAFSTOR will delay clean-up, waste disposal, and remediation of the Vermont Yankee site for generations.

As a result, the community will be unable to redevelop the site for economically beneficial purposes. While SAFSTOR clearly benefits

Entergy, its use will render economic harm to the community.

As an alternative, the NRC should consider accelerated options for decommissioning such as DECON, which would allow for prompt cleanup, redevelopment, and reuse of the Vermont Yankee site. In addition to these tlu*ee issues that I raised at the hearing, Vermont stakeholders have recently expressed concern about Vermont Yankee's emergency programs.

Specifically, it is my understanding that Entergy is proposing to reduce the size of the Emergency Planning Zone, reduce funding to the state ofVennont for emergency preparedness, and dismantle Vennont Yankee's Emergency Response Data System (EROS). These proposals raise serious questions as to the ongoing safety precautions in place for a site that continues to be the host for a significant amount of highly-radioactive waste. While I understand that the NRC has already rnled on the issue of dismantling EROS, I strongly urge the Commission to not prematurely reduce the size of the Emergency Planning Zone. I would also mge the Commission to bring Entergy to the table to negotiate in good faith with the State of Vennont on a reasonable level of financial support for emergency preparedness activities going forward.

As you know, Vermont Yankee is the first merchant nuclear power plant in the country to be decommissioned.

It is critical, therefore, that the NRC work closely with Vermont's stakeholders to get it right by developing a model for the decommissioning of other merchant plants that respects and resolves the concerns of state and local stakeholders.

I look forward to your timely response and stand ready to work with the Commission to address these issues. Sincerely, Member of Congress PETER WELCH AT-LARGE, VERMO:H CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP HOUSE DEMOCRATIC STEERING & POLICY COMMITTEE QJnugrcnn nf tqc l!tnitth COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE 11iouse of fileµresentutiue.n 1lnrusltingtnn.

mm 20515-4500 COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM The Honorable William C. Ostendorff Commissioner U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-000 I Dear Commissioner Ostendorff:

October 14, 2015 2303 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BlHLOING WAS>llt,GTON, DC 2051 !;-4500 202 225-4115 DISTRICT:

128 LAKESIDE Avuwe SUITE 235 BURLINGlON, VT 05401 18021 652 2450 1888) GOS 7270 Thank you for your testimony at the September 9, 2015 joint hearing of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittees on Energy and Pov,rer, and Environment and the Economy.

I want to reiterate the concerns I raised at the hearing regarding the decommissioning of Entergy's Vermont Yankee plant located in Vernon, Vermont.

Specifically, I am deeply concerned about: 1) the lack of state and local stakeholder involvement in the decommissioning process;

2) questionable uses of the Decommissioning Trust Fund by Entergy; and 3) the reality that the use of the SAFSTOR decommissioning procedure will effectively delay the full cleanup and redevelopment of the Vermont Yankee site for decades.

In addition, subsequent to that joint hearing, I have become very concerned about significant new developments in relation to Vermont Yankee emergency programs.

The lack of meaningful stakeholder participation in decisions related to Vermont Yankee's decommissioning is unacceptable.

It is essential that Vermonters have a seat at the table throughout this process.

The NRC has failed to substantively engage state and local officials and appears to be increasingly relying on the perspective of the nuclear energy industry.

I request that you creatively engage local stakeholders in a maimer that goes beyond standard regulatory procedures to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.

The Decommissioning Trust Fund should not be used for non-decommissioning expenses.

It is my understanding that the fund can only be used for expenses that reduce radiological levels at the site. Yet the NRC has granted preliminary approval to Entergy for several exemptions, including authorizing payment for spent fuel management, attorney fees, and even the company's membership dues to the Nuclear Energy Institute

. These unjustified expenditures will further delay an already lengthy decommissioning process.

The NRC must be a careful PAINTED ON AECYCL£0 PAPER stev,rard of the fund to ensure that these ratepayer dollars are not diverted to pay for inappropriate or unauthorized expenses.

I have significant concerns with the decision by Entergy to use the "SAFSTOR" method of decommissioning.

The use of SAFSTOR will delay clean-up, waste disposal, and remediation of the Vermont Yankee site for generations.

As a result, the community will be unable to redevelop the site for economically beneficial purposes.

While SAFSTOR clearly benefits

Entergy, its use Yvill render economic harm to the community.

As an alternative, the NRC should consider accelerated options for decommissioning such as DECON, \.Vhich would allow for prompt cleanup, redevelopment, and reuse of the Vermont Yankee site. In addition to these three issues that I raised at the hearing, Vermont stakeholders have recently expressed concern about Vermont Yankee's emergency programs.

Specifically, it is my understanding that Entergy is proposing to reduce the size of the Emergency Planning Zone, reduce funding to the state of Vermont for emergency preparedness, and dismantle Vermont Yankee's Emergency Response Data System (ERDS). These proposals raise serious questions as to the ongoing safety precautions in place for a site that continues to be the host for a significant amount of highly-radioactive waste. While I understand that the NRC has already ruled on the issue of dismantling ERDS, I strongly urge the Commission to not prematurely reduce the size of the Emergency Plairning Zone. I would also urge the Commission to bring Entergy to the table to negotiate in good faith with the State of Vermont on a reasonable level of financial support for emergency preparedness activities going forward.

As you know, Vermont Yankee is the first merchant nuclear power plant in the country to be decommissioned.

It is critical, therefore, that the NRC work closely with Vermont's stakeholders to get it right by developing a model for the decommissioning of other merchant plants that respects and resolves the concerns of state and local stakeholders.

I look forward to your timely response and stand ready to work with the Commission to address these issues. Sincerely, Member of Congress CHAIRMAN Resource From: Sent: To:

Subject:

Attachments:

Hi-Fowler, Mark < Mark.Fowler@mail.house.gov

> Wednesday

, October 14, 2015 4:29 PM CHAIRMAN Resource

[External_Sender)

Rep. Welch letter re Vermont Yankee 10.14.15 -Rep. Welch Letter to Commissioner Svinicki.pdf; 10.14.15 -Rep. Welch Letter to Chairman Burns.pdf; 10.14.15 -Rep. Welch Letter to Commissioner Baran.pdf

10.14.15 -Rep. Welch Letter to Commissioner Ostendorff.pdf Rep. Welch would like to submit the attached letters concerning the Vermont Yankee decommissioning to the Commissioners

. Thanks for your help and please let me know if I can answer any questions

. Best, Mark Mark Fowler Office of Rep. Peter \\.elch (\'T-L\L) 2303 Rm burn I J( )B 202.225.-t 115 .\Iark.hiwlcr0 mail.house.gm 1