Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections

http://archives.dickinson.edu/

Three Mile Island Resources

Title: Three Mile Island Alert Newsletters, 1980

Date: 1980

Location: TMI-TMIA

Contact:

Archives & Special Collections Waidner-Spahr Library Dickinson College P.O. Box 1773 Carlisle, PA 17013

717-245-1399

[email protected]

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1 V i Three Mile Island Alert February, 1980 Cobalt & Turkeys Collide by MikeT Klinger late Sunday evening, January 13, treatment of radiation exposure on 1-80 north of Pittsburgh, a These reports, she assured me, tractor trailer carrying radio­ were inaccurate. active cobalt pellets destined Alot of questions remain for use in. a NYC hospital collided unanswered. Why was the story with a trailer load of turkeys. played down so quickly? Why did On Monday morning WHP news the leaking cannister later_____ initially reported a broken cannister was emitting substantial amounts of radiation, .65 Rem/hr. to 4.0 Rem/hr.--"a major health hazard," according to Warren Bassett, administrator of nearby Brookville Hospital. WHP's coverage of the accident decreased and by mid-morning, ’ the story was no longer broadcast. A fifteen-mile stretch of 1-80 was closed off as state police waited for a DER radiation become "a crack in the trailer expert before getting close compartment"? Why was there su< to the truck. The DER expert a large discrepancy in the was stranded due to bad weather figures? Why and how did a and didn't get to the scene "major health hazard" in the until later in the day. The morning become "slight" by the initial dangerous readings of time it hit the Evening News? .65 R/hr. to 4.0 R/hr. was What if the accident had been supposedly taken by non-specified worse? And finally when will "authorities’'; civil defense DER, Civil Defense and State personnel later measured the Police authorities provide for radiation at less than 2 precise management and an escor' millirems/hr. I called Margaret for the shipment of radioactive Reilly, Chief of Environmental substances and prohibit shipment Rescurces--Bureau of Radiological of those potentially deadly Heal.th, on Monday afternoon and substances in dangerous weather she explained that the initial conditionsp­ readings were inaccurate in this case the cobalt was because the unnamed authority to be used beneficially for the had to be "convinced" on how to treatment of disease. But there properly read the instrument. are thousands of pounds of much Ms. Reilly said also that news­ more deadly plutonium and other papers in the area were report­ |Dead1ine Next Issue: Feb.l^ C0nt ing persons coming in for 1 carcinogenic wastes produced assets, service areas and rate­ each year by this country's payers under a new corporate en­ .operating nuclear reactors-- tity. Met-Ed is currently scram­ wastes so unstable that modern bling to meet its financial obli­ ..scientific technology has not, gations, having its cash flow dis and will not, be able to determine! astrously impaired by the TMI-2 how to safely store it for the accident. thousands of years required. A PUC ruling on Met-Ed’s re­ Enlarging of on-site storage quest for an additional $55 mil­ facilities, like that which has lion in rate relief will follow been done at the under construc­ the fitness investigation and the tion Berwick Nuke is hardly TMI-1 decision. If this ruling a satisfactory answer. No state goes against Met-Ed, highly un­ in the Union wants the wastes, likely with Susan Shariaman and and even if they did we don’t Linda Talliaferro on the PUC, it know how to safely ship them. will be comforting for Met-Ed to And yet "experts" continue to know they have the stalwart rate­ try and tell us that nuclear payers of GPU’s fist in Johnstowr power is safe. Maybe they should to turn to. ask the turkeys on 1-80. The American Nuclear Insurers Co. reports having paid over GPU’s Shell Game 1.3 million dollars so far to by: Jim G< '-nrJ. ey TMI evacuees for expenses and General Public Utilities, par­ wage losses. Eligible families ent of Met-Ed, Pennelec, and Jer- were those within a 5-niile radius f sey Central Power and Light, is who evacuated after Governor resorting to fancy footwork to Thornburgh’s advice to pregnant stave off the lingering shocks women and pre-school children. of last March 28th’s "normal ab­ This comes nowhere near erration." Its latest move in­ compensating all affected area volves creation of a subsidiary residents or local municipalities (GPU Nuclear Corp.) to operate But still we can't help wondering and maintain its nuclear plants how the $1.3 million in insur­ at TMI and Oyster Creek, NJ. Sim­ able liabilities affects the ultaneously, GPU merged the man­ industry’s "clean, safe and agement of Pennelec and Met-Ed. economical ’’ formula. The surprise announcement was made at the PUC investigation of Krypton Update Met-Ed's fitness to retain its operating license and the contin- In recent issues of "The uation of the TMI-1 reactor in Alert", we reported on the the ratebase. Commissioner John­ threatened release of 2 million son chastised Met-Ed a week earli­ cubic feet of Krypton 85 gas er for failing to apprise the PUC from TMIA 2‘s containment of the impending merger. The move building into the atmosphere. was characteristic of GPU/Met-Ed Met Ed submitted a proposal abruptness and penchant for sur­ to vent the gas into the prise. atmosphere under controlled Met-Ed (50% TMI owner) and Pen­ conditions to the NRC in mid- nelec (25% 1MI owner) serve a com­ December. ■ The NRC has requested bined total of over 800,000 cus­ additional data in response to tomers. Nearly twice Met-Ed*s the company's proposal. The current number of ratepayers will information requested is (1) be affected by the merger. The Whether Met Ed has considered management merger leaves the fin­ other alternatives (2) A cost ancial , structure of both GPU sub­ and schedule for the alternatives sidiaries unchanged. However, fu­ and (3) Specific design features ture merger developments may of both the venting operation arise which would combine the ‘2 and alternatives. (cont.) In late December, Met Ed PUC Input announced that small amounts of the Krpyton 85 gas are In early January Governor leaking from the containment Thornburgh appointed Susan building into the crippled Shanaman. to chair the PUC. Many reactor's non-nuclear system. of you will recall that Shanaman's When contacted by this reporter, appointment to the PUC in .Sandy Pollen, Met Ed's public November, 1979 was opposed by a relations representative, stated number of anti-nuke and consumer that as of now about enough to groups. Shortly after the fill a nail polish bottle has January appointment, the Patriot leaked out. He also added that reported that one of Shanaman’s at the present rate of leakage, goals included dev eloping "energy it would take about 2,000 years "plans of action." She mentioned for all the gas to leak out of conservation, coal use and the containment building. alternative energy sources as areas to be addressed and said When Robert Arnold announced the PUC will work closely.with this leakage, he said,"I consider federal and state government, it to be of no consequence. I. consumers and utilities to only mention it to point out develop the energy plans. the tremendous sensitivity of It's up to us to make the anti­ our instruments." nuke consumer heard in this By announcing this small planning process. Write to leakage, I think Met Ed is Shanaman today. Her address is: trying to pressure the NRC Susan Shanaman, Chair into a prompt, favorable and Public Utility Commission cheap decision for Met Ed-- P.O. Box 3265 venting the gas into the Harrisburg, PA 17120 .atmosphere. In late November, Joel Roth of THIA, wrote a letter to Legislation President Carter opposing this Presidential commissions venting. We ask you to do the generally have about as much same. Also contact your effect as a temperence union representatives and senators. member at a brewery picnic. The U.S. House of Repre­ sentatives drove that message heme once again as they voted for passage of the NRC auth­ orization bill without any changes in the NRC structure or without any moratorium to keep the commission from act­ ing until such changes were made. In the most publicized of all the moratorium measures, the Markey Amendment which would have called a halt to licensing of new plants for a six month period, went down to a heavy defeat 135-254. The Pennsyl­ vania delegation split was a little less overwhelming, 10-12 (with 3 non-voters). Local congressmen voted unan­ 3 imously for the Markey Amend­ ment.) nient-. The nearest legislator place on the 11th, 12th and to vote "nay" on Markey was 13th. conservative Congressman Bud The closing address will be Shuster, representing Perry given by Sam Love, writer-acti­ 'and parts of Cumberland coun­ vist, co-founder of Environ­ ties. mental Action and one of the Congress did pass, however, principal organizers of Earth an amendment which requires the Day. NRC to evaluate all operating Additionally, there will be nukes within 120 days to see a series of films shown during how well they conform to NRC the three days. Included are safety-related regulations. "Dr. Strangelove," "Fail-safe," Also, it requires the NRC’to and "Hiroshima, Mon Amour." identify all generic safety For more information about problems within the same period. the four-day events, contact This bill, sponsored by N.Y. Dickinson College's Office of congressman Jonathan Bingham, Information Services at was overlooked by both pro and 245-1289 or the Office of Stu­ anti-nuclear lobbyests. It dent Services at 245-1555. passed the House 217-161. Once, The public is invited with­ again, the Pennsylvania dele­ out charge. gation voted more anti-nuclear than the national average (14- Nuke Victim 7, with 3 no-votes). Locally, In 1957 Sergeant Orville Kelly Ertel and Goodling voted in of the U.S. Army was stationed favor; Shuster and, Walker voted on Japtan Island in the South ■against. Pacific. He was in charge of a The Pennsylvania legislature squad working on "Operation continued its course of action Hardtack"--a series of 22 on nuclear issues - members atmospheric nuclear detonations kept their heads buried in the in nearby lagoons and on nearby sand. Bills requiring a mora­ islands. Sixteen years later torium and clearing financing Kelly learned that he had issues remained mired in the malignant cancer of the lymph quagmire of the Republican- glands in an advanced stage. controlled House committees. Kelly is convinced that his The Select Committee on TMI. cancer was caused by the radia­ has announced that it will re­ tion he was exposed to on Japtan, quire such sweeping changes as but he has been unable to a statewide bank record de­ convince the Feds. pository so that we can get Along with his work with other out money when we evacuate. cancer patients and their Also, homeowners may be able families, Kelly in 1978 to get insurance for nuclear founded the National Association accidents. Somehow, we might of Atomic Veterans. The 750- have hoped for more "sweeping" member organization collects data changes. Instead, they seem for Veterans Administration to be sweeping the accident claims,•serves as an information under the rug. clearinghouse, and publishes a monthly newsletter. In April Dickinson College will hold Kelly will testify in Washington a public symposium called "Our at a national conference of Nuclear World and Welcome To radiation victims, civilian as It” on February 10 - 13 in well as military. Those who are Carlisle. interested can contact Kelly at The keynote address on Sun­ 1109 Franklin St., Burlington, day, Feb. 10th will be given by Iowa 52601 (319) 753-6112. Dr. Barry Commoner. (Information from Parade Panel discussions will take 4 Magazine, January 13, 1980). formed that he would have to pay the Intervention bill, even though he could file a formal^complaint. He paid and. filed A U.S. Nuclear Regulatory his formal complaint. Comission Administrative law The complaint charges that since ipanel approved the participation radiation given off by the nuclear of nine groups and individuals, fuel cycle causes cancer, leukemia, including TMI A, as intervenors and birth defects, Met. Ed. is con­ in the Atomic Safety and Licens­ tributing to the random murder of ing Board hearings on Met Ed’s human, beings in this and future gen­ proposal to restart Unit 1. The erations. Knake contends that as a other intervenors are as follows; ratepayer to a company with a nuclear Marjorie Aamodt, Coatesvillej plant., he is indirectly contributing ANGRY (Anti-Nuclear Group to the random murder, and this is Representing York); Chesapeake Energy Alliance; ECNP (Environ­ causing him mental anguish since mental Coalition on Nuclear he is morally opposed to murder. Power); Marvin I. Lewis, Phila.; Knake had asked for $100 a month to help compensate for the mental Newberry Twp. Steering Comm.; anguish. Steven Sholly, Mechanicsburg; and Union of Concerned Scientists.' On November ?6, the attorneys The Board rejected two petitions for Metropolitan Edison filed a and deferred a decision on whet­ motion to dismiss the complaint her PANE may participate. stating that the Pennsylvania The Licensing Board stated Public Utility Commission lacks that the proceedings may include the legal power to award monetary any issues which can be related damages. Administrative Taw Judge to the TMI accident and whether William ohane agreed that the Unit 1 can be operated safely. authority to award damages was in However, the Board rejected the the hands of the Court of Common suggestion that issues raised Pleas. Since Knake can’t afford need not be related to the to hire a lawyer to take his com­ ■ accident. plaint to Common Pleas Court, he The Board will not allow has decided to sue Met. Ed. him- intervenors to raise issues on self Ln small claims court of $1,200. 4unspecified theoretical Class 9 He.urges others who have suffered accidents. The intervenors may mental anguish to file similar .raise issues on specific charges against their electric • hypothetical Class 9 accidents company in an effort to force an if they can be related to TMI, end to the murders caused by the The Board deferred ruling nuclear industry. He can be reached on contentions involving Met at $528-5265. < , Ed’s emergency plans and on Bonnie McCormick, a resi­ psychological, stress issues. dent of Montgomery County, was It is obvious the Board is recently scolded by District trying to keep the scope of the Judge Charles Dasch of Pottstown hearings narrowly focused on for being "irresponsible and mis TMI and Met Ed and away from leading." * as a parent. Ms. the total failure of the NRC McCormick had let her daughter and the entire nuclear industry. take part in an illegal demon­ stration at a nuclear plant Knake Complaint construction site (presumably Jack Knake of Heidlersburg, Pa Limerick). In addition to the ; first refused to pay part of his electric scolding, Ms. McCormick drew a bill last August. He did the same thing four-day prison sentence. in September. When Met. .Ed, threat­ No mention was made of Mr. ened to cut off his power by Oct. 1, McCormick, who was presumably he filed an informal complaint with, watching a football game at the the PUG which was cienied. He was in­ 5 time. nuclear power is the answer, Community Notes what is the question? A moral response to the nuclear challenge Many Consraurdty groups have not Reaction was overwhelmingly been submitting reports to the ALEitU. positive and provoked lively Things have slowed down over the debare in the adult Sunday School holidays, but now we're gearing up sessions for the next several again for 1980. Please let the rest Sundays. „ J_. of us know what you've been doing. The group invited Bill Vastine It may not seen "important" to you, to introduce Last Resort non- . but it’ll give other groups some violent civil disobedience train­ ideas. _ m ing in December and decided to ■ jttW proceed with the training in Adams County Community Group February. Marge Clement and has had significant success with Bill Vastine are scheduled to its outreach effort. Group leader carry out the training. Wayne James and his wife Sue have promoted scheduling of anti­ Now is the time to set new nuclear messages to church goals, reorganize our groups and groups throughout the county begin anew. There is hope for a using the group's own copy of* better 1980. The Mechanicsburg "The Last Slide Show" (a copy is group was one of the few groups also available at 315 Peffer that was able to show the film, St. Office). Churches have "Nuclear Wastes." After our responded, eagerly, as if they have showing, Mr. John Khanlian just been waiting for us to drop contacted the superintendent of into their laps. Wayne has Mechanicsburg schools and challenged the group to form a arranged showing the film to local teach-in panel to address 360 senior high students. We the church groups and to then donated two books to the build a back-up capability. high school for further back­ Wayne James is responsible for ground. We are now in the pro­ technology of nuclear power and cess of reorganizing our telephon alternative energy, Patricia committee, to incorporate many Hammann has economics of nuclear of the 1600 petition signers who power, Bob Stoner has political expressed an interest in TMIA. implications, Dorothy Lambert! We have made initial contacts has health effects, and Mac with the ten churches in the' Albright has moral implications. area, but now want to expand Using the excellent model of with personal contact. We are ' the main TMIA Teach-In Panel, using church bulletins now to we have really gotten rolling announce our meetings. We will on this effort. We recommend it be assigning 2 churches to our highly to other groups. various members for initial Group member (ex-leader, pre­ contact and follow-up. Steve sent TMIA Steering Committee Ficks will begin a discussion member and secretary) Mac Albright group to review various books delivered a sermon.to.the on the nuclear issue and other congregation at Fairtield pertinent* topics . Many of us Mennonite Church entitled, "If have let our self education program slide. The West Shore Public Library and the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce have agreed to put our literature in their information centers. Our surveys have been sent to il-,000 Mechanicsburg Borough residents in sewer and refuse bills. The survey question is* Do you wish for the permanent CARLISLE - Mike Kline - shutdown of Three Mile Island as 249-4143 a.nuclear facility? Yes or no. Mike Jones and Tim Lyng put an HACC’S STUDENTS FOR PEACE - incredible amount of work and Brian Downey - 236-9533 or perseverance into finally 238-6486 achieving this survey. Mr.. HERSHEY AREA ALLIANCE - Georgia iand Mrs. Ira Heckart were also Lookingbill - 566-6480 staunch supporters at Borough LEBANON VALLEY ALLIANCE - Jim and Council meetings. One member of Maggie Hummel - 865-6232 Borough Council confided, "You LONDONDERRY TWP* Pat Street - know, this subject never would 944-2334 have been discussed if you IDWER PAXTON - Tee Garland - hadn't approached Borough Coun­ 561-0701 cil." We are now notifying ii&CHANICSBURG — Mary Hartnett — 766-0592 1,000 apartment dwellers via NEW CUMBERLAND ENERGY ALLIANCE - flyers that the surveys will Al Mirando - 774-7215 either be mailed out on request SEA (CHAMBERSBURG) - Michael Kohler - or may be picked up. The 264-4729 deadline is January 31st, so we SWATARA TWP./STEELTON - Nancy Baumgadner will be helping tally the final 939-7530 results. UPl'OWii/SUSQUEFLANNA - Suzanne Patton - Several of our members are 238-6329 covering the PUC hearings for January. It really is extremely TASK FORCE; interesting and informative. Joe Bard will be looking for help ECONOMICS - Jim Gormley — the next few months. Give it a 944-7011 try! EDUCATION - Louise Bradford - We also will be helping Fred 232- 3070 Girondi, a graduate research ■ HEALTH - Mike Klinger - associate in environmental 921-8618 education from Ohio State LAST RESORT — Matthew Magda - University by completing an 545-6320 attitude questionnaire. The LEGAL - Joe Bard - purpose of the study: to improve 238-0004 understandings and communications LEGISLATIVE - Chris Sayer - between the pro-nuclear and anti­ 233- 7897 nuclear groups in Pennsylvania MARCH 28th COALITION _ Bill Vastine - and Ohio. 774-6711 Wishing each of you renewed NisWSLL‘.TTER - Terry Roth - success in I960. A beautiful 763-1835 (H)*- 236-9486 (W) thought I received via a thank you note from Carlisle's Paula REGLIGIOUS - Marge Clement - Prober: "It will be a great day 774-5767 when our schools get all the STAFF ~ Chris Sayer - money they need and the air' 233-7397 . force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber." For more Island, Updates is a new TMIA I information, call Mary Hartnett publication, designed to keep at ?66-O592. national activist groups abreast of the latest news of the accident. We print every third Contact People Wednesday. Anyone interested in helping out and learning a few ADAMS COUNTY - Mac Albright - skills should call Andrea 761-6280 (w) Chesman (232-3070 or 234-5091, BOX HUCKIUffiiRRI - Anne Miller- ext. 162) or the office 582-2875 (233-3072). 7 ^^^Thris Sayer*';' water has not been dumped into the Susquehanna. And while MetEd complains, the NRC has As we enter a new year, we now required a full environ­ can look back on 1979 with a mental impact study before the feeling of pride for our many utility can go ahead with any accomplishments. Many, many cleanup1 activities. of you have worked long hours What lies ahead? Well, we to bring about these successes. are rapidly approaching the Immediately following the first anniversary of the acci­ accident, a handful of people dent. A major effort to organ­ organized the first rally on ize people must be made for the Capitol steps. More than the 28-29th actions. 1,500 people showed up. The PUC and NRC hearings will Next, TMIA organized 31 bus­ continue through the midpoint loads of people (plus thousands of the year. Our attorneys of people who went by car) to will represent TMIA in both go to the May Sth rally in D.C. sets of hearings. Harrisburg has never before April 26th will see another mobilized so many people for large gathering of people in anything short of a flood. Washington. Already, national On May 20th, TMIA hosted and local organizing is pro­ the Women and Children's March ceeding to increase our par­ on MetEd at the Reading head­ ticipation over last year. quarters. Several thousand We need to be looking for people travelled co MetEd from ways of involving new people up and down the East Coast. in each of these efforts. Berwick, another Capitol The fundraising effort now rally and the concert in Hali­ underway will serve as an or­ fax kept the ball rolling dur­ ganizing tool. We need to ing the summer. increase the number of public In September, more than a forums so that new people be­ thousand people turned out to come involved in TMIA. Regu­ see Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden lar meetings of TMIA should be at the Penn Harris. Hundreds scheduled by the Planning more were turned away. Council. And in November, several Everything we do must carry hundred area residents got an one single message. We, the education on nuclear power as people of Central Pennsylvania, ■TMIA and NPIRG hosted a major will not allow our lives to be national teach-in. put in jeopardy once again - But it was not all events we will not allow TMI to re­ during the year. Robert Bloom open as a nuclear facility. found out that he couldn't ad­ And that effort will take vocate nukes and get renomin­ money, time and energy. I ated to the PUC. Joseph Cos­ urge you to give as much of set ti learned that you could each as you possibly can. We not duck the issue. Both nom- must guarantee a non-nuclear 'inations went down to over­ future fdr Central Pennsylvania. whelming defeat. i The PUC became one of the Staff this issue: focuses of our effort.; On Terry Roth Jed.) June 15th, the commission ruled Nancy Baumgardner ; that the cost of cleanup could Sue Eason inot be passed on to rhe rate­ Debbie F7etterman payers, a landmark decision. Doug Grier Finally, and mcst important- Maggie & Jim Hummel ; ly, TMI is stil.1 closed. The Sue Shetrom ■' gas has not been released; the 8 The Wi11iams Fami 1y Edward and Perri Klick areK con-" tobacco are also responsible. vinced their stillborn baby died In industrialized nations, tobacc because of radiation emitted dur­ smdking is the greatest single ing the TMI accident, and filed cause of excess death from lung suit against Met-Ed, GPU and Bab­ and other cancer, from heart cock & Wilcox in federal court attacks, and from emphysema in in December, both men and women. The York Couty couple, who live Within the anti-nuclear in Manchester, 3.2 miles from movement, we are all well aware TMI, contend that the utilities of the real and the potential and the builder knew at the time dangers from radiation exposure. of the accident that the radiation We are concerned about our own would directly and adversely affect health and that of countless the vital argans of any child in others who are being unwillingly the womb. jeopardized by proponents of ' The suit also contends that nuclear -power. If we care about Met-Ed violated federal safety our own health in terms of the regulations; did not train its nuclear threat, how can we contir employes properly and failed to ue to smoke? Even more to the take safeguards to prevent a point, if we care about others’ radiation leak. health, how can we continue to The judge in the case, Sylvia smoke where others have no Rambo, has placed a gag order, or choice but to breathe the toxic a halt to further discussion, on and carcinogenic fumes we the case until it comes to trial. generate as we smoke? If we endanger the health of others by smoking in the air they have No Nuke No Smoke no choice but to breathe, how Hardly anyone, smoker or non- are we different from nuclear smoker, is unaware of the power advocates? irrefutable evidence that smoking We have a good opportunity to causes cancer and other serious be consistent on this issue. health problems. Somewhat less Let’s not blow.it. well-known are the hazards to the passive smokers the innocent­ bystander who cannot avoid Mary Douglas, Betty Sue^Lentz^fc breathing what the U.S. Surgeon General has called "side' stream Milton Lowenthal met with four smoke", which is even more harm­ foreign students from Liberia, ful than what the smoker inhales France, India and Czechoslavakia, directly. At least two-thirds who represented the International of smoke from a cigarette is Union of Students. The main "sidestream". topics of discussion were These effects are well-docu­ concerns about the proliferation mented. The exact cause of the of nuclear weaponry, its connec­ problem could be any of the tion with nuclear power and the gaseous poisons identified in need for the SALT II agreement tobacco smoke: tar, nicotine, to attain disarmament. 3-^ benzpyrene, carbon monoxide, Apparently foreign students ammonia, cadmium, nitrogen are more aware of the .connection dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen between nuclear weapons and cyanide, hydrogen sulphide. nuclear power and their dangers There are dozens of others, each than U.S. students. To help of which is bad news by itself, alleviate this problem, arrange­ but many of these substances ments were made to provide work' in consort with each other speakers and literature, through .and other substances in the the Commonwealth Students Assoc., environment to harm the body. tor student groups in area Some researchers are convinced □ colleges. that radioactive substances in more residents of Central Penn­ Grants sylvania asking for support. Paul Makurath, also of the Three Mile Island Alert was Lower Paxton Twp. group, will recently awarded a $3,000 grant head up the workforce who will by the MUSE (Musicians United actually get the mailings out. for Safe Energy) Foundation. The money raised will go The grant, which comes from both to fund the legal efforts proceeds of the September con­ and to increase our educational certs at New York's Madison and organizational outreach Square Garden, is for general within Central Pennsylvania. support and/or litigation a- The letters will go to area gainst Three Mile Island. residents who have attended Other large grants' received TMIA events or who have signed during the past few months in­ petitions calling for the clos­ clude $500 from the Bread and ing of Three Mile Island as a Roses Fund (for the Teach-in), nuclear power plant. $3,000 ($2,500 for litigation Anyone willing to help in and $500 for general support) this effort should call the from the United Methodist TMIA office at 233-7897. Work­ Church, and $2,000 from the . - days for the mailings are gen­ May 6th Coalition (for the pub­ erally held Saturdays (from lication of a national news­ 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) at the letter) . Friends Meeting House, 6th and Despite this infusion of Herr Streets, Harrisburg. capital into the organization, We are former York residents costs have outrun income. The who left because of the disaster at legal effort has suffered from Three Mile Island. In our travels, an inability to hire the sort looking for work and a place to live, of expert witnesses that will be necessary. we have spoken to many people about what happened. We have found them to be interested but entirely unaware of what all of us have gone through. Despite all the.commissions, studies, and official recommendations, few of the people around Three Mile Island have a chance to express their per­ sonal viewpoints. . We are gathering statements from residents and former residents of the Three Mile Island region, with the ide. of collecting these statements into a book. Hopefully, .the book will find a publisher so that the public can hear our story. If you are interested in writing a statement or participat­ ing in this project, please write Fund iising to us soon and we will send you furthex’ information. Also, if you Three Mile Island Alert will or your friends know of anyone who begin on February 1, 1980 a has left the area since the accident, massive direct mail campaign let us know so that we can get in in an effort to raise funds and touch with him or her. to enroll new members. Thank you for your help. Lee Garland, chairperson of Susan Mills the Lower Paxton Twp. TMIZi has Russell Mills agreed to head the effort. 129 E. Irvin Ave. Over the next several months, State College, Pa. letters will go to 25,000 or _ ■ ' 16801 the date. Ed Panel But there are hundreds of Met Ed has a new propaganda TMIA members, and there is just tool: They call it the "truth one panel--so far. We believe force," and they are sending that education should be a majci of TMIA. to public relations people into goal In order private citizens' homes to accomplish that, we really need additional panels. Our panel explain to them the "truth” has evolved a style of working about nuclear power. Since together as a team, and we woul- October 1979, TMIA has had a like to see additional teams "truth force" of its own, and formed. And one doesn’t have t we call ourselves the Education Pane1. be an expert to be an effective panelist--one has to care about Composed of Casey Zaleski, teaching others (and themselves Bill Shoff, John Murdoch, and about the dangers of nuclear myself (Andrea Chesman), the power. Anyone interested in panel speaks on four aspects of working on a panel, or helping nuclear power: government reg­ to organize, schedule and ulation and response, -health and promote the panels should safety, economics, and alter- - contact the office or Casey at natives to nuclear power. Our the numbers listed above. format is flexible ? generally we each speak for fifteen to eighteen minutes and answer ques­ Zirconium tions from the audience after each speaker. Our concluding by Dr, Daniel M, Pisello, from remarks always let people know Greenpeace Chronicles, Sept, 1979 what they can do to keep TMI Most nuclear reactors in the closed. world are operating with a fatal Panels such as ours can be design flaw, brought to light by highly effective organizing tools the recent accident at Three Mile for bringing the facts and Island. Fuel rods in these reactors options concerning nuclear consist of uranium oxide fuel pellet? power to people. Panels can held in thin metal tubes called clad- also keep people aware of what ding,in all water-cooled reactors TMIA is doing and how they can is in an alloy of the metal zirconiur become involved with TMIA. Thus which reacts violently with air or far, the response to our panel water,, under a variety of conditions has been good. Because Met Ed likely to occur. is now competing with us, we No viable alternative to the 'would like to intensify our highly dangerous zirconium exists# efforts. Because of the zirconium cladding, First, we would like to invite water cooled nuclear reactors run all TMIA members to consider a high risk of violent chemical gathering their neighbors and explosion and catastrophic release friends into their homes to hear of radioactivity. All but one of a panel. This kind of "kaffee the 72 reactors in the U.S. are klatch" organizing can bring out water-copied, as are 95 percent people who would never dare of all the nuclear plants in the come to a rally or a public world outside Great Britain, which meeting. We would also like to uses gas-cooled reactors. urge any members who belong to At Three Mile Island, raechanica. other organizations to see if difficulties led to a partial loss • they can schedule us for one of of coolant, and a partial meltdown their meetings. Anyone who of the reactor core. As an emer­ would like to hold a panel gency measure, reserve cooling water meeting should contact Casey was sprayed onto the dangerously Zaleski (53^-8595) or the TMIA exposed and overheated core. Hy­ office (233-3072) to the clear 11 drogen. explosions occurred in thefcor containment and later a huge bubble The nuclear industry and the interfered with efficient cooling of NRC know full well the hazards of the damaged core, presenting the zirconium in water-cooled reactors. possibility of a hydrogen explosion The NEC is therefore emphasizing poor inside the reactor vessel. operator performance ar»d mechanical 1 Spokesmen for the utility company failures in their analysis of the and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission accident in order to divert atten­ (NRC) claimed ignorance on the sub­ tion from the more fundamental­ ject of the origin of the hydrogen problem of the chemical activity of bubble, referring to it as a "new twist,'* and "something that had not The state's Welfare Department been foreseen when the reactor was has received a $375,000 grant from designed." The next day the bubble the National Institute of Mental shrank and disappeared. Health to study the mental health The claims of ignorance by the impact of the TM1 accident on res­ utility companies and federal., experts idents in a 10-mile radius of the about the appearance and disapp­ plant. earance of the hydrogen are lies. The study wil focus on young Explanations for these occurrences mothers, workers at the plant and are commonly available in the liter? persons already receiving mental ature on nuclear engineering and health treatment, as groups safety, and concern the use of who. may have experienced greater zirconium alloy cladding. stress during the crisis. 700 Experts agree that the hydrogen persons will be interviewed in an was produced by the reaction of tons opention devised and directed by of zirconium cladding with steam Evelyn J. Bromett, a psychiatrist formed in the reactor vessel during from the University of Pittsburgh. the early stages of the accident. A comparison will be made to But weeks after the event the only determine any differences in mental public reference to the role of zir­ health characteristics of the pop­ conium in the production of the hydro­ ulation group which has experienced gen bubble was in the British press, an accident and one which has not, in the only nuclear nation that has people living near the Shippingport no water-cooled reactors. plant in Beaver-County. Follow­ Sir* Martin Ryle of the Cavendish up interviews will be conducted laboratory in Cambridge stated in during the first anniversary of a letter to "THE GUARLIAN" (London) the accident at TMI, a time which that a highly dangerous hydrogen Welfare officials expect to be bubble should have been predicted as particularly stressful for resi­ a matter of "A~level textbook knowledge. dents of the area. The following is taken from a stand­ ard text on reactor safety; Opportunity Report shows that in 1975i electric utilities ranked The chemical reaction of the 140th of 142 industries when it cladding with steam..,has came to the proportion of three important effects. officials and managers who are Firstj it furnishes energy, minorities. Only the paper and which can increase the heat­ coal companies ranked lower. ing rate of the core. Second, 1.9% of officials and managers hydrogen, a reaction product, were minorities in electric is released to thb contain­ utilities while minorities made ment structure. Third, the up 16.2% of the work force. reaction also changes the (The electric utilities were character of the cladding 122nd out of the 142 industries (i.e., the metal cladding in hiring women as officials and is converted to an oxide), managers, with 2.9% being female, which can affect the be­ compared to a 14.2% average for havior on quenching. all industries and to 37.1% of ^2 the workforce being female .) (cont.) The electric utilities fared Reporters Committee for Freedom only slightly better for profess­ of the Press, described Box's ional and technical workers, with ruling as outlandish. He said 5 of these employees being it would tell utilities "they minorities(and 6.7% being female). can stage the news, and if the from Up Against the Wall reporters wander off the set Street Journal they're going to be arrested." Nine reporters and tele­ vision camera operators were In November Danle1 Berrigan, convicted last month of criminal activist Roman Catholic priest trespass charges growing out and 14 others were arrested and of their coverage of an anti­ charged with disorderly conduct nuclear protest at a power plant and trespass after chaining construction site last June. themselves to a fence at the Similar charges against 319 Riverside Nuclear Research protesters also arrested at the Institute in Nev/ York. On Oklahoma Black Fox site had December 26, the judge granted earlier been dismissed after a the District Attorney’s request jury had been unable to reach to dismiss the charges. It was a decision. clear that this was not a The convictions come at a demonstration of Christmas spirit time of mounting opposition to when the D.A. explained the nuclear power plants. reason for dropping charges. The action by Judge David "We want to prevent these Allen Box drew immediate fire defendants from using the trom groups protecting the rights Criminal Courts as a forum for of reporters. their views," he said. Berrigan The reporters' group said that told reporters later, "They are the decision will, have a "chill­ so determined to keep that ing effect” on their coverage stuff (the research) classified of anti-nuclear events. they would rather dismiss the Jack Landau, director of the charges than have a public trial. THIA MEMBERSHIP” FORM ......

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Return to: TMIA 315 Peffer Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102 March 28 Coalition The March 28th Coalition now has an not come to rallies to participate. office at 1037 Maclay St. (across from This is our time to remember the acci­ the Fann Show) staffed by Gail Bradford dent and to make our statement that TMI (phone 233-NUKE). An interfaith service must never reopen. is planned for Friday night the 28th The next Coalition meeting is Sunday, followed by a WITF sponsored forum and/ Feb. 3 at 6 pm at 1037 Maclay. We real! or a candlelight vigil. There'll be a need money and help with planning events rally on Saturday afternoon with dis­ --phone calling, making armbands and plays and local and national speakers displays, arranging parking and logis­ and entertainment. Since the eyes of the tics, doing media and publicity, gettinc world will be on us, we need to get Cen­ out mailings, etc. Call 233-NUKE for tral PA people who are anti-nuke but do further details an’d/or come to the

315 PEFFER STREET HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17102 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Harrisburg, Pa. Permit No. 807 Call To Action: One Year Later As Met Ed has recently in this area feel. The March graphically demonstrated, the 28th Coalition also needs accident at TMI is not over. volunteers to prepare for the March 28th, 1980, a year after events. Armbands are being the accident began, is the time produced which depict the for Harrisburg area residents to cooling towers and bear the tell the world TMI MUST NEVER message TMI is no over. (1-9 REOPEN!! This is also our time for $1.00; 10-49 for $.80; to seek the support of our 50-or more for $.60). Order friends and neighbors to air armbands for yourself and our fear and anger, to celebrate your family and friends. the fact that we are still If you can volunteer time alive and to put forth a united (or money), would like to order front to overcome the money and armbands, or want more inform­ power of the nuclear industry. ation please contact the Coalition As has been previously at 233-NUKE or come by the Office reported, the March 28th Coalition at 1037 Maclay Street — across is planning events to commemorate from .the Farm Show in Harrisburg. the beginning of the accident at TMI. On Wednesday, March 26th And In Washington a benefit concert will be held The Coalition for a Non-Nuclear at the Forum in Harrisburg. At World is currently planning what they 4:00 A.M. on March 28, the time hope will be the largest anti-nuclear the accident began, a vigil and demonstration in U.S. history to be speak-out will be held near TMI. held in Washington, ’D.C. on April 25 The press will be invited to through 28,. The coalition comprised hear our statements. Friday of groups from all over the country, night, March 28th, an inter­ including TMIA, has five major demands: faith service is planned at a Stop Nuclear Power, Zero Nuclear church near the State Capital. Weapons, Full Employment, Safe energy Events will climax on Saturday, and Honor Native American Treaties. March 29, with a large rally The grotfp is planning a broad on the West Shore at the farm range of events. On Friday, April overlooking TMI. 25, there will be a non-nuclear The March 28th Coalition lobbying day and teach in. On Sat­ needs your help. First and fore­ urday, a huge rally and march is most plan to attend the events planned. Sunday afternoon will feature and bring along friends who don't workshops on non-violence training want TMI reopened but don't for those planning to participate usually come to rallies and in civil disobedience the following meetings. We don't want another day followed by a religious convo’-pfWrri huge national rally — we want | DEADLINE: March 24 to show the world how the people cation on Sunday night. Civil of the T1RC’ support staff in Middle- disobedience aimed at closing the town, the average pressurized water Department of Energy is planned for reactor releases about 10,000 curies Monday. of radioactive noble gasses each year. Keep reading the ALERT for However, in the same article, more further details. of the truth came out regarding ex­ posure during the early days of the accident. "About 13,000,000 curies of noble gasses, including Krypton, were released..." Obviously the accident exceeded norman "safe" operations for one year by 1,300 times, and yet all official reports following the accident claimed that exposure to the public was min­ imal and posed no risk to public health and safety. These studies do not consider cumulative dose, but the cumulative effects will be statistically documented in the years ahead. They ignore the numerous studies that show that ex­ posure to any amount of radiation increases the risk of getting cancer. According to Healthy People, the Surgeon General*s Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (1979), "Ionizing radiationfrom nuclear energy... Accident Continues if there is exposure to large enough by Mike Klinger doses can cause cancer, genetic defects, and tissue injury. The entire pop­ Hie peace of mind of Central ulation is also at potential risk Pennsylvania citizens was again dis­ as the cumulative dose to low-level rupted the week of February 11-16 ionizing radiation grows." Unfortun­ when we learned of releases of ately, the accident at TMI-II combines Krypton 85 (and other radioactive both of these types of exposure. substances consistently not mentioned As John Gofman, M.D., PhD, one by Met-Ed and the NRC). On Monday of the discoverers of the fission - the 11th, about 1000 gallons of ability process for Uranium’-235, "highly contaminated vzater", accord­ says, "(Nuclear) Utilities are I ing to a DER spokesperson, leaked willing to risk your lives and your through pump seals into the auxiliary property on nuclear power, but they building. Workers were evacuated are not willing to “risk their but civil defense authorities were dollars... Experimentation' of humans, not notified. without their knowledge or consent On Tuesday, beginning around is obviously a crime. Taking life 7:30 PM until noon Wednesday about without due process of law is obviously four curies of K-85 were released. a crime. There .can be no doubt that Neither the NRC on-site inspector the promoters of nuclear power - be nor plant personnel noticed the leak they engineers, politicans, or until early Wednesday morning. Civil scientists - are indeed committing Defense authorities were not notified crimes against humanity. Americans until 3:30 PM Wednesday. , would be justified in demanding As has been suspected and recorded that Nuremberg-type trials be held by persons owning their own radiation for those individuals." monitors, radiation has been leaking So while we and our future gen­ from TMI-IT since the accident. The erations continue to be victimized, Harrisburg Patriot reported this the nuclear industry’ continued to amount to he 75 to 80 curies per assure us the risks are all acceptable. month, 2.5 to 2.7 curies per day. Acceptable to who? According to John Collins, Director 2 (more than 100 per day, according to former PUC chairman Wilson Goode). P.U.C. Actions The fact that the case is still in As most of you know, TMIa, to­ the PUC is due, in part, to our re­ other with other legal parties of sponse. It is lime, once again, to •ecord, are intervening in the Penn- tell the Commission of our concerns. ylvania Publid Utility Commission Tell the Commissioners that we want rerus Metropolitan Edison. Met-Ed shut down; tell them that There are three issues before we want Unit 1 out of the rate .he PUC involving Met-Ed. They are: base; tell them that we have paid 1. A request by Met-Ed to enough! Please address your comments increase their energy cost by to the following commissioners: $55 million to be passed on to Chairperson Susan Shanaman, Michael the consumers. Johnson, Linda Taliaferro and James 2. The viability of Met-Ed to Cawley at the Pennsylvania Public continue as a public utility Utility Commission, Worth Office (can they furnish and maintain Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120. adequate, efficient, safe and (Many thanks to Bob Shively, IEPOCO, reasonable service and facilities). for much of this information) 3. Whether TMI-1 should be ex­ cluded from the rate base of Met-Ed (it has not been in ser­ MetEd Bankrupt? vice since February 1979). General Public Utilities’ recent According to Section 1501 of threats of bankruptcy may have just Ihapter 15 of the Public Utility Law, backfired. -he PUC is charged with overseeing When Jersey Central Power & Light, .hat all utilities shall furnish and a GPU subsidiary, recently asked for laintain adequate, efficient, safe, a $100-million rate hike to help pay for ind reasonable service and facilities the Three Mile Island accident, Alfred ind shall make all repairs, changes... Nardelli, attorney for New Jersey’s ind improvements in or to such service Department of the Public Advocate, md facilities as shall be neccessary responded, "let them go bankrupt.’’ >r proper for the accomodation, con- The president of the state's Board of re nie nee and safety of its patrons, Public Utility Commissioners George smployees and the public (emphasis Barbour is looking into the idea of idded). Met-Ed and GPU have failed establishing a ’’public power authority” ;o meet these requirements and cannot in the event JCP&L is unable to continue >e expected to meet them in the near providing electric service at reasonable ?uture. rates. (From Power Line, October, 1979) The Consumer Advocate has also stated that "while the Commission Residents of.the Washington loes not have the authority generally area and much of Maryland, Del­ >ver public safety as a policy, the aware and New Jersey may face Jommissior does have the authority higher electricity bills in the >ver safety as it is affected by near future as part of a util­ ltility operations. The public whose ity industry plan to help out safety is entrusted to the Commission MetEd. nay not be limited to the actual Both Potomac Electric Power isers of a utility's services and and Baltimore Gas and Electric nay include the general public". Co. have filed petitions with The PUC probably will not see their respective public service safety as their function, but will commissions, asking the agen­ ise the NRC jurisdiction argument, cies to declare that it is in ife must tell them that it’ is their the "public interest" to alter -esponsibility to see that the the rate structure for power jeople of central Pennsylvania are sold to MetEd. protected. If the plan is put into last Spring, a virtual avalanche effect, the move would cost •f letters arrived daily at the PUC 3 PEPCO's residential users CONT. as much as $9 per household NRC this year. Region I "This would be a transfer 631 Park Ave. of income from rate payers King of Prussia, PA 19^06 here to (General Public Util­ TMIA has recently developed ities) to help bail out GPU," a flyer on this issue. Call the said Brian Lederer, the people's TMIA office at 233-7897 to counsel at the D.C. Public Ser­ request a copy. vice Commission "You can always justify ERTEL OPPOSES UNIT II things in the short run and In a statement entered into maybe it is in the best inter­ the Congressional Record on est of the public that we don't February 12, Congressman Allan let GPU go bankrupt . . . But Ertel (D-17th) spoke out there is a lot of money at against TMI. His remarks were stake. It's an example of provocated by the release of things beyond regulatory con­ krypton gas on Feb. 11. trol," he added. "I am thankful that there were no serious injuries re­ sulting from this incident; Uranium however, we must not forget It has recently been discover­ the psychological impact of ed that Exxon Corp, is exploring the accident at Three -Mile 50,000 acres of privately owned Island last March, and the land in Pa. for uranium deposits. subsequent problems, nor the There are many reasons why fact that serious questions the people of Pa. cannot allow remain concerning the possible Exxon to mine and mill uranium long-term health hazards of in our state. A ton of raw ore exposure to low levels of of uranium will yield only b radioactive materials. pounds or less of yellowcake "The damage to the reactor, (the raw material of nuclear the cleanup problems, and the fuel). The leftovers from the continuing incident - not to milling process are millions of mention the psychological tons of a powdery substance imact - are all clear signs referred to as tailings. These that Unit II continues to have tailings contain radium and its serious problems and we should associated radon daughters, seriously consider closing it which are powerful alpha forever." __ .______emitters that can cause lung cancer when inhaled. Mountains Community News of tailings rest near uranium Adams County -.Group is contm- mines and mills to be blown uning its outreach to the community around by wind and to enter the through a teach-in panel modeled water table as rains leach the after the original TMIA panel. radium into ground water. Churches have been inviting the Evidence has shown that the NRC panel to a series of dates, usually has underestimated the health three, so that more material can effects of uranium mining by be covered-? a factor of 100,000. Placement of anti-nuclear books We have no way of knowing what in church and school libraries is Exxon plans until they request being undertaken by the group. a license from the NRC to mine Member Jack Knake had his and mill uranium in Pa. hearing date changed from February Write your congressmen and 19 to the 28th on his contention that senators immediately to express Met-Ed is causing mental anguish your opposition. Also write the which should be reimbursed monetarily. NRC insisting they not issue a Another member, Mac Albright, license to mine/mill uranium in was a lone demonstrator at the White Pa. The address is: . 4 House on February 15 with posters . , reading "Met-Ed is incom­ The Mechanicsburg Borough surveys petent to operate or ..clean up are in. Residents were asked to res­ TMI" and "Central Pennsylvanians: pond by checking either Yes or No to Hostages in our own land". Lone the question, "Do you wish for the demonstrators do not need a permit - permanent shut down of TMI as a nuclear more than one would require a permit facility?" There were 2,726 surveys from the D.C. Metropolitan Police sent out with sewer bills, 2,234 res­ Department. idents responded with 57% voting yes The group put in about twenty for shutdown and 43% voting no. We hours producing posters for the Feb­ are now and have been sking Borough ruary 22nd public meeting in Harrisburg. Council to pass a resolution calling In spite of the distance involved, for the permanent shut down and de- the group, is maintaining significant corrmissioning of Units 1 and 2 and ac­ member input into many Harrisburg tively support the use and development functions - fundraising letter pre­ of SAFE alternative energy sources. paration, telephone follow-up, March The. bake sale was a tremendous suc­ 28 Coalition, .planning council, and cess on the West Shore grossing $162.37. steering committee. As gasoline More inportant was the overwhelming sup­ prices climb, we may have to re­ port we received from Carlisle, New examine how we support and relate to Cumberland, Dillsburg and our own good Harrisburg functions. Suggestions people in Meeh. A big thank you to each from other out-lying community or you. All baked goods that remained groups are solicited. Write Adams were transported to Colonial Park for County Group of TMIA, Box 235, their tw-day bake sale. Working Arendtsville, PA 1*7303 or talk it together is a most rewarding experience. over at planning council meetings. We would like to thank Paul Makaruth for his undying efforts Members of the Hershey Area in gathering, translating and Alliance met in early January, organizing the names for the fund- after a brief rest during the raising mail campaign which is holiday season, to reorganize and going on now. Every Saturday, plan future goals and activities for for many months, we are meeting the organisation. at Friends' Meeting House, 6th A recent project of Hershey members Streets, downtown was a joint sponsorship with members and Herr of the Lower Paxton group in holding a Harrisburg, from 10-5. Surely bake sale on Friday and Saturday, everyone can get away for two February 9 & 10. Because of the hours.or more to help on this generous donations and hard work by massive effort. There is a f all members, close to $500 was raised great playroom for the children, for the Legal Defense Fund at TMIA. so bring the whole family. Thanks Two members from Hershey are also to those who have already sac­ researching materials (both pro and rificed their time. anti-nuclear) available for students UPDATE: On Tuesday, Feb­ in the public library and school ruary 19th, the Borough Council libraries tn Hershey. Based on a voted to support the shutdown suggestion at a recent community group resolution. Copies will be meeting, the Hershey Alliance hopes to sent to President Carter, Governor be able to provide a bibliography of Thornburgh arid all area elected anti-nuclear materials as well as officialss______donate subscriptions to magazines and On February 13, the Swatara books against nuclear power. Township Board of Commissioners A newsletter, outlining upcoming voted unanimously in support of TMIA activities and the March 28 Rally, a resolution calling for the has been mailed to 150 contact people closing of TMI as a nuclear gen­ in Hershey. It is hoped that this erating station. Last year, the periodic mailing to people will keep Board had refused to adopt such them in touch with on-going events and a resolution, but recent releases promote the need for volunteer support. of radiation and Met Ed's failure No public meetings are planned for to inform civil defense officials the Alliance in the near future.______5 finally convinced them. be included as appendices to the EIS. WRITE the NRC today (the deadline for Editorial: On Cleanup comments is supposed to be February 29, In the wake of recent releases at but hopefully they won’t ignore TMI, and even before then, public and comments submitted after that date): Met Ed officials began to push for a Donald R. Muller quick clean-up of TMI. On January 29th Acting Director the Patriot reported on an interview Division of Site Safety & with Clifford L. Jones, secretary of Environmental Analysis the State Department of Environmental Office of Nuclear Regulation Resources. Jones said that a delay by Nuclear Regulatory Commission the NRC on allowing clean up could Washington, D.C. 20555 "lead to needless public exposure of uncontrolled radiation." During the week of February 11 when releases occurred, Met Ed pointed out that such leaks would continue because much equipment could not be checked and serviced until the plant was cleaned up. Robert Arnold expressed concern that the sentiment of area residents might stand in the way of effective clean up, Meanwhile, the NRC has stood firm in their commitment to prepare an environmental impact statement focusing on all issues related to de­ contamination and clean up before commitments on specific clean-up choices are made. Met Ed’s proposals for clean up will be evaluated in light of that statement. It’s clear that we want TMI cleaned up as much as Met Ed does, but for very different reasons and in very different ways. If we don’t want what is quickest and cheapest for Met Ed, we must make our own proposals. It is, therefore, essential that we let the NRC know what we know and t what we feel. The second in a series of public SPEED ON SAFETY .ISSUES CHALLENGED meetings was held by the NRC in Middletown on February 12. The The Advisory Committee on Reactor meetings are being held to solicit Safeguards told the NRC on Feb. public comments on the environmental 11 that government may be moving impact statement (EIS). At the too swiftly to develop criteria meeting a number of suggestions were for reactor safety in the wake of made: a citizen’s advisory committee the TMT accident. to work with the NRC on the EIS; "The rush to judgement may monitoring devices available at result in, at worst, error, and convenient locations for the public; at best, inefficient uses of inclusion of the effects on the resources important to safety," food chain and on geology; a new said Mil ton S. Plesset, ACRS look at "cost/benefit analyses." A Chairman. number of these suggestions including President Carter, however, has the citizens advisory committee are recently stated that he has rec­ under "active consideration" ommended that the NRC resume according to NRC spokesmen. But all licensing of reactors as soon comments received by the NRC will CONT. 6 as possible. been encouraged and will continued TMIA Structure through 1980. by Mac Albright Continuing emphasis on the per­ Three Mile Island Alert is manent shut-down of TMI is currently made up of volunteers. The organ­ stressing that clean-up operations be ization provides only a framework conducted safely. The task of for the power of people involved achieving an infoimed citizenry to make actions more effective. opposed to nuclear power is being During the summer of 1979, the or­ attempted through encouraging of ganizational structure of TMI task forces and community groups. Alert was set. Membership consists Meetings, rallies, media, uirect of dues-naid individuals in local mail, telephone campaign - all are community groups, task forces, and planned or in operation to accom­ member at large. One representative plish TMI Alert goals. from each task force and community The steering committee and group-,plus one paid staff person con­ planning council have been re-exam­ stitutes a planning council. The ining the status and operation of planning council meets monthly and sixteen task forces. An original plans general meetings and sets broad list of thirteen community groups policies and strategies. Vote is has been in a state of flux as new by 2/3 majority. groups form and some original groups The steering committee is con­ flounder. stituted of seven members elected oy In spite of organization problems planning council for one year terms. inherent in any group of volunteers The steering committee is responsible facing the enormous threat of nuclear for all decisions and coordination madness, the successes have been con­ of the organization including fund- siderable. raising, in order to implement policies and strategies. The steering committee’s responsibility to coordinate the or­ The TMIA fundraising effort ganization and make decisions can _ got off to a strong start when only be accomplished by close connec­ nearly 5,000 letters were put in­ tions with'day-to-day events and to the mail on February 1. A- conditions. The steering committe has nother 2,500 le-tters are ready to met weekly with very few exceptions go out as we go to press. since September. Elected members Using lists from petitions, are as follows: Joel Roth, Chairman; rallies and other events, the task Al Mirando, Vice Chairman; Will force plans on getting nearly1 Rodgers, Treasurer; Mac Albright, 20,000 letters into the mail dur­ Secretary; John Murdoch, Pat Street ing the next few months. and Tim Percarpio recently resigned While normal fundraising ef­ and replacements are currently being forts can be expected to return sought. roughly l?o-2?o, our.effort has re­ The organization's purposes have turned over 3 % already. In dol­ remained basically unchanged although lar figures, that means nearly individuals attending at various times $3,000 from the first mailing. have lent particular emphases: The letters are being followed to insure that TMI remains closed, up with telephone contacts; the to broaden the base of informed calls are being made by community citizenry opposed to nuclear groups. We hope that the calls power, will push the return to close to to promote the use of‘alternate 8%. energy sources. Among the responses to the let­ Toward these ends, the steering ters have been nearly 80 new mem­ committee has been working to make sure berships and 25 new volunteers. the legal intervention is proceeding But costs (both legal and or­ properly and that adequate funding for ganizational) continue to mount. this legal process is assured. local, To help, call Al Mirando at 774- joint, and national fundraising have 7 7215 or call the office. REAL ESTATE VALUE DROPS to aid consumers appear to woe­ fully inadequate." Don't try to sell your house The draft plan leaves fund­ for a profit if you live within ing of the retrofits to the five miles of TMI, according to commercial banks. In most urban a recently released study com­ areas, banks have been unwilling missioned by Governor Dick to provide housing rehab loans Thornburgh. to people living in older areas. The study, conducted by the "Since these houses are often Department of Community Affairs, the ones that need the retrofits concluded that the volume of most, any program must address property sales in that area has the problem of financing in a decreased over last year's sales, serious, complete manner," said and unsold properties have remained Sayer. . , , on the market longer than in the Anyone wishing to provide in­ past. In addition, housing put into this process should sales prices have not appreciated contact Chris Sayer at the TMIA at the same rate as those in office. surrounding areas, according to the study.

7) JJ Home Energy Lc cu S u More than a year ago, Congress o passed the National Energy Act X' of 1978 which mandated the states to prepare plans for a program -C U of residential energy retrofits. w E Pennsylvania, held up by slow o ci H issuance of federal regulations, c o o is now in the process of develop­ X bJO M c ing such a plan. The plan will €> - = be prepared by the Governor's h Energy Council. To aid in the drawing up of such a plan, an advisory panel Unlike the governors of a number made up of represenatives from of other states, including Maryland utilities, manufacturers of and California, Governor Thornburgh insulation and conservation de­ seems unwilling to take on nuclear vices, and consumer and energy power. In an editorial published groups has been formed. Chris on January 29, entitled "Where Sayer, staff coordinator of Does the Governor Stand?", the TMIA, has been appointed to this Patriot refers to Thornburgh's panel. increasingly ambiguous statements A staff draft plan has been on TMI and the future of nukes. prepared by GEC counsel, John He seems to be waiting for some­ Buffington. Copies are avail­ one else to decide. able at the TMIA office. The After hn emergency meeting of plan has drawn fire from both TMIA on February 22, a group of consumer groups and the utili­ approximately 100 angry area ties. residents marched to the Governor’s "One complaint of the con­ Mansion chanting and carrying sumer groups," said Sayer, "is signs. Unfortunately, the the failure to require solar Governor couldn’t speak to us conversion information in the because "he had a cold." It’s house audits for most regions important to keep the pressure of the state." on him. Write to the Governor and "Additionally," he added, urge him to take a stand on the "the funding mechanisms set up 8 closing of TMI! A “moderate" earthquake Next month we’d like to do a story on caused 51 million damage to Shorts the transportation of atomic wastes. If the Lawrence Livermore nuclear you have information, or can write *he. weapons factory in Northern article, please contact The Alert at California last month, and caused 233-3072 or Terry Roth at 236-9486. a small leak of "harmlessly radioactive" tritium into the Nuke jargon has spread. It's atmosphere. now applied to cold-war activi­ The quake also burst gas pipes ties. near a storage area for pluton­ On January 18, State Depart­ ium. A fire in that area would ment press aide Hodding Carter, have led to radioactive smoke attempting to quiet growing ap­ and debris being spread over a prehension over reported Russian wide area, 30 miles east of San troop movements on several fronts, Fransisco. described them as "low-level" According to Philip Day, the military moves. director of San Fransisco1s Office Our guess is that on that scale of Emergency Preparedness, the the Russian incursion into only bright spot is the fact that Afganistan would earn at least now the city administration has in "intermediate level" rating - agreed to raise his budget from unless Met-Ed has a copyright on $200,000 to $350,000, which would qualify hin for an additional The nuclear industry has per­ $150,000 in federal funds. sistently sought recognition of its The dog pound budget in San efforts - and this time has gotten Fransisco is $750,000. what it deserves. The National Council of Teachers The managers of Harrisburg's of English presented its annual incinerator/steam generator have "doublespeak" award last month to the made it clear they don't want any nuclear industry for its oral response garbage from TMI except "ordinary litter." to the TMI accident. William Lutz of the teacher's Public Works Director Russell group cited the following items which Myers, Jr. and his deputy, Jack won the award for ‘the nuclear industry Karper, said they will accept other trash from TMI only if it in a landslide: * "Energetic disassembly" - is accompanied by a certificate from the NRC which states it is meaning explosion not contaminated with radio­ * "Rapid oxidation" - meaning active materials. fire mim ■■ kj an kM m mm ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ * "Normal aberation" - meaning If you wa.it to retain your reactor accident good reputation, don't tangle * "Flutonium has taken up re­ with the FBI. sidence" - meaning A recent Jack Anderson plutonium contamin­ column reported that the FBI ation. have harrassed and slandered And who claimed the nuke industry congressmen, legislative staff didn’t have a setise of humor? and reporters who have questioned * ,______their role in the controversial STAFF: Silkwood case. Terry Roth, Editor Anderson said the FBI accused Nancy Baumgardner the Congressman, John Dingel 1 Sue Eason (D-Mich.) of patronizing a Debbie R-Fetterman prostitute who had Mafia con- Doug Grier necti Jim and Maggie Hummel TT memEer’^eeSem^ustTegood"* Kay Rogers typist and have other office skills. Sue Shetram Interest in alternative energy required. The Williams Family Contact Wind Power Digest at 233-3996. 9 —The Politics of Energy - a new Resources book by Barry Commoner. Analyzes The following articles are avail­ Carter's Energy Plan, solar energy able from the Clamshell Alliance. To potential. Available in bulk (10 or order send a check or money order pay­ more) © $2.97 each from Jane able to Re-Source, Inc., P.O. Box Friedman, Alfred Knopf, Inc., 201 127, Astor Station, Boston, MA 02123. East 50th St., NY, NY 10022; a single Add a 10?’ handling charge: copy is $4.95 —Energy War: R.eoorts from the Front - —Energy and Nuclear Fower - A basic by Harvey Wasserman. Articles summar­ guide to the nuclear fuel cycle, reac­ izing the dangers inherent in nuclear tor operation and radiation dangers. power plants. Iawrence Hill Publishers, 4 p.p. $.15 each ($.05 for 15 or more) 9392. Paper: $4.95; cloth: $10,95. —"Nuclear Waste" - Another basic —The New Tyranny; How Nuclear Power describing nuclear wastes and problems Enslaves Us - by Robert Jungk. Succinct of transportation, storage, disposal presentation of the global dimensions and security. 2 p.p. $.15 each ($.04 of the nuclear energy controversy. for 15 or more.) $2.50, also ciscounts possible. Bontact —"Nuclear Accidents: A Look at the Jill Goldberg, Warner Books, Inc. 75 Record"- $.15 each ($.05 for 15 or Rockefeller Plaza, NY, wY 10019. more) (212) 484-8000. —"The Medical Implications of Radi­ ation" - Helen Caloicott explains the health hazards of the nuclear fuel For an up-to-oate flyer on cycle from mine to waste dump. 2p.p. costs and problems involved in de­ $.15 each ($.04 for 15 or more) commissioning a nuclear power plant —"Hot Work" articles on uranium write:Vermont Yankee Decommissioning mining, construction, workers, etc. Alliance, 5 State Street, Box 117, 4p.p. $.15 each ($.04 for 15 or more) Montpelier, Vermont 05602 —"Radiation Standards and Public Health" - at $4 per copy, available The Diablo Conversion Froject has published preliminary findings from Environmental Policy Center shoving Diablo Canyon nuke in San 317 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E. Washing­ ton, D.C. 20003 (202) 547-6500 Luis Obispo can be economically converted to burn natural gas and —Energy, Jobs and the Economy - by methane. Costs would be competitive Richard Crossman and Gail Daneker. and impact on workers would be mini­ $3.45 for a single copy, bulk dis­ counts available. From Carrier mal while the eventual development; of renewable fuels (such as production Pigeon 75 Kneeland St. #309, Boston MA 02111 of methane from organic waste) would create many new job. For —Counterforce Syndrome; A Guide to U.S. nuclear weapons policy. $3.95 more information,’ contact Diablo from institute for Policy studies, Conversion Project, 1945 Berkeley 1901 Q St. NN, Washington,DC 20009 Way, Berkeley, CA 94?04, (415)- —The Uzar-i's Tale, El Relate Del 981-3800. La Tagarta - About nuclear power and Solar Power Advocates, under ecology. Kissing Bears Collective, the guidance of Jim Perkins, has 224 Solano Dr. NE, Albuqueroue, NM 871 OR completed its catalogue of Solar Energy Programs in Pennsylvania. --Organizer's Guide to Nuclear The catalogue contains in­ House Meetings - 50$ from Juli Loesch, Pax Center, 345 E. 9th St.,‘ Erie, formation on statewide programs for solar development. FA 16503 Copies of the first printing —Accidents will Happen - the Case of the catalogue are available Against Nuclear Power, $2.50 + from Jim Perkins, P.O. Box 1378, postage, from the Environmental State College, PA 16801. Cost /action Foundation, 1346 Conn, Ave. is $3.00; checks should be made NW, Washington, DC 2OQ36 10 out to Solar PA. No Nukes Calendar EVERY SATURDAY MARCH 8 TMIA Volunteer Work Sessions INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Events include a panel discussion Ground Floor, Friends Meeting House at 2 p.m. at Lakeside Lutheran 6th and Herr Sts., Harrisburg Church, Division St., Hbg. Topics EVERY SUNDAY include women and the draft, ERA, MARCH 28 Volunteer Work Sessions 1980 U.S. budget. Sponsored by 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. the Women's International League Basement, 1037 Maclay St., Hbg. for Peace and Freedom. 233-NUKE Coalition meets every Sunday MARCH 28 COALITION benefit vege­ night, same address. tarian dinner, 6 p.m., Messiah MARCH 4 Lutheran Church, 6th and Forster, Planning Council Meeting Hbg. Entertainment and door prizes. 7:30 p.m., Friends Meeting House MARCH 26 MARCH 5 Benefit Concert for MARCH 28 COALITION. Robert Arnold invited to speak Forum. Call 233-NUKE for details. in Lebanon by mayor. 8:30 p.m., Municipal Bldg. MARCH 28 First Half hour for press questions Vigil near TMI - 4 a.m. and rest for citizen questions. Vigil continues, one-minute speakout by area residents, press invited. 11 a.m. MARCH 6 Interfaith service, Grace Methodist TMIA Health Committee Meeting Church. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Friend's Meeting House Debate on nuclear power, sponsored by Call Mike Klinger, 921-8618 WITF-TV. 8:30 at the Forum New Cumberland Energy Alliance MARCH 29 Rally at farm near Goldsboro, 12 - 4 . 7:30 p.m., New Cumberland Middle Many local speakers, entertainment School. Jake MeyerS, Chairman, Cumberland and displays. National speakers and entertainment County Commissioners and John including Ralph Nader, Pete Seeger, Baer of WITF-TV to speak. etc. For details call 233-NUKE. ------feiffer I 3W Tl€ at ' I

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315 PEFFER STREET HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17102 NON-PROFIT ORG. -U.S. POSTAGE PAID Harrisburg, Pa. Permit No. 80? THREE MILE ISLAND

The transportation, storage and I 694, I 294, I 90, US 395, Wa. 26, disposal of radioactive materials is Wa. 240. to Hanford; Overweight one of the gravest social responsi­ Vehicles (in PA only): PA 441, bilities mankind has ever assumed. I 283, I 83, I 81 S, I 70 in Maryland. Three million packages of nuclear In Pennsylvania there are many fuel, medical isotopes and atonic comnunities these waste shipments must wastes travel through our highways, pass tlirough. Perhaps you have family railroads and airports each year. or friends residing in one of these It has been estimated that by 1985 canrnunities. Are they aware of the the number of these shipments will fact that nuclear wastes are being quadruple. shipped in their area? Are they The Department of Transporta­ aware of the evacuation plans and tion estimates that one accident medical procedures to follow in case involving radioactive shipments of a severe nuclear waste shipment happens every two days. Approxi­ accident? mately 1,100 accidents have occurred In Pennsylvania the towns on in the past five years. or near the radioactive waste routes The effects of a radioactive are for Legal Weight Vehicles: Middle­ accident frcm TMI are not limited town, Steelton, Harrisburg, Lingles­ to those people who reside in a 50 town, Indiantown Gap, Pine Grove, mile radius around the plant. The Frackville, Mahanoy City, McAdoo, transportation of nuclear wastes Hazelton, Berwick, Lightstreet, frcm TMI brings the possibility of Bloomsburg, Danville, Milton, Long- a nuclear accident to thousands of antown, Milesburg, Bellefonte, towns and cities across the U.S. Snow Shoe, Clearfield, Dubois, Brook­ Since Bamsville, South Carolina ville, Clarion, Emlenton, Mercer, will not accept the waste materials Farrell and for Overweight Vehicles: frcm TMI's unit II, the wastes must Middletown, Steelton, Harrisburg, be taken to Hanford, Washington. Summerdale, Enola, Wertzville, New This is a distance of approximately Kingston, Carlisle, Shippensburg, 2,800 miles. It has been estimated Scotland, Chambersburg, Greencastle, that it will require at least 2,500 Hagerstown, MD. trips to ship part of the waste frcm The above-mentioned routes are the damaged reactor to Hanford. only for low level radioactive waste This amounts to 7,000,000 miles one frcm TMI. So far no plans or routes way, or a total of 14,000,000 miles have been established for the re­ roundtrip. moval of the high level radioactive There are two approved routes wates. for the waste materials frcm TMI It should be remembered that to be sent to Washington - Legal (cont.) Weight vehicles: PA. 441, I 283, I 83, I 81 N, I 80 W, I 294, I 90, I 94, there are many nuclear facilities empt all local authority and nearly in the State and nation and that all state authority to regulate the at sore time, the nuclear wastes highway shipment of radioactive from these facilities must be materials. The proposed rules were moved to storage areas. The NRC published in the Federal Register has estimated 1-7 accidents per on January 31, 1980. Written comments million miles traveled by vehicles can be filed before May 31 with: carrying nuclear wastes. Dockets Branch, Material Trans­ The Hanford site was closed portation Bureau, U.S. Dept, of briefly in 1979 and will probably Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. not accept waste material for TMI after 1981. The radioactive material would either be sent to Rate Boycott Idaho Falls, Idaho or Beatty, by Jack Knake Nevada. Recently Indiantown Gap As a protest against the use of has been named as a possible site nuclear energy, we call upon you to for low level nuclear waste. join us in a rate boycott of your For additional information electric company. If you know the about the transportation of percentage of your local company's nuclear wastes from TMI you could power that is produced by nuclear contact: Tri State Trucking, Box facilities, withhold that amount 113, Joplin, Missouri 64801 or Met from each month’s bill. If you do Ed Personnel, Larry Zainer #948- not know your local average, 10% is 8551, Mr. Heck #944-2500 the nationwide average. PP&L cus­ tomers are withholding 10% as PP&L Some relevant pieces of federal is building the Berwick nuke. legislation are: Met Ed's customers are withholding 25%. Adams County Electric Co-Op HR 3692 gives the Dept, of Transport­ customers can withhold 10% due to ation principal responsibility for their company buying electricity transportation of wastes. Status: from nuclear power companies. Referred to Subcommittee on Energy Most every utility has some nuclear and Power, Energy and the Environ­ connection, even if it’s only ment, Surface Transportation. through their corporation structure. Sponsor Harold Runnels (D-NM) ; It is suggested that you open a special savings account and each HR 4455 directs the NRG to require notification to the Governor of any month deposit the withholding. Send your utility a letter with your State before nuclear waste is trans­ payment stating your reasons. An ported to or through the State. example is: "As radiation from the Status: Referred to Subcommittees nuclear fuel cycle is increasing the on Energy and Power, Energy and percentage of cancer deaths and the Environment. Sponsor: Cecil genetic defects, I am morally obli­ Heftel (D-Hi); gated to withhold the nuclear percentage of my bill. It will be HR 792 prohibits transportation deposited in a savings account and of radioactive material through will be returned to you with the or into an area with a population density greater that 12,000 persons account's interest at such time that you close your nuclear plant and per square mile, unless the mat­ erial is related to a medical convert it into a non-nuclear gener­ ating station." use, or unless an emergency exists. Status: Referred to Subcommittee Don't be afraid that they will on Transportation and Commerce shut off your electricity. In Pa. and Surface Transportation. the utility must give 10-15 days Sponsor: Ted Weiss (D-NY) . notice and provide the customer with an opportunity to file a complaint with Meanwhile the U.S. Department the PUC. The company can not terminate of Transportation has published pro­ service when no one is home and must posed regulations which would pre­ (cont.) leave a 48 hour termination notice. powerful lobbying efforts by the At any time during the termination utility industry. In fact, process, you can pay up and begin the several years ago, the late Senator boycott again with the next month’s Lee Metcalf tried to get utilities bill. Many of us have been doing this declared "tax-exempt" so that they since August 1979. could not charge the rate payers for taxes they would never pay. The Many writers have suggested that, in utility industry ironically blocked the end, the future of nuclear power that effort. rests in the hands of the financial For a copy of the "phantcm tax" backers. If we all join together we update, call or write the TMTA can hit them where it hurts—in their pockets. General Public Utilites annual stockholder's meeting will be held on Monday, May 5, 1980 at 2:00 P.M. WE AT MET- ED at the William G. Mennen Sports 7\rena in Morristown, N.J. ARE PROUD S.E.A. Alliance in Morris County, N.J. will be organizing pickets out­ TO GIVE YOU side the meeting. It is hoped that a number of IMIA members will be able ENERGY to join the lines. For directions to the meeting, or for carpooling (either driving or riding) call TMIA AT office at 233-7897 Krypton ANY The Governor is listening! On COST Friday, April 11, Governor Dick Thornburgh wrote to the NRC and asked for a delay on the krypton venting decision until an independent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists is Phantom Taxes completed. "The [venting] proposal According to an recent report has aroused considerable anxiety in the by the Environmental Action Founda­ surrounding area, coupled with the tion, "phantan taxes" are collected assertion by some that safer alternatives from ratepayers but never paid to the exist for krypton decontamination," federal government because of a series Thornburgh told NRC Chairman John F. of tax loopholes. In 1978, on the Ahearne in his letter. Maybe we should average only 6% of incane went for write the Governor a thank-you letter federal taxes. for a change. Met Ed collected more than $21 million from consumers in 1978 in order In other krypton related news. Senator to pay their taxes. But, because Ted Kennedy stated his opposition to of sane accounting tricks (two- the venting of the krypton during his book or normalized accounting), recent visit to Harrisburg. Dauphin the company actually got $14 million County Commissioners unanimously back frcm the Feds. The consumers adopted a resolution opposing venting got nothing back frcm the windfall. plans. And the TMI Legal Fund in­ PP&L paid nearly $10 million vestigation has lead them to conclude in taxes during the same year. Unfor­ that venting the krypton is not a tunately for the ratepayers, they prerequisite to continuing maintenance had charged us over $70 nullion for work on Unit 2. Jean Kohr, Lancaster these taxes. The difference - over attorney and spokeswoman for the group $60 million - went into their own said that workers can wear protective pocketbook. suiting to enter the krypton atmosphere Past efforts to stop the dual in the containment building and tax systen have failed becau.se of 3 service equipment there. (cont.) Meanwhile, the Mayors of Lebanon, utilities which wanted to build Harrisburg, Lancater, York and nuclear facilities. Elizabethtown recommended that Thorn­ Vince Taylor answered testi- burgh make an immediate decision on many presented by the utility on the venting. They contend that the the importance of nuclear power and UCS study will not be "objective." the effect of the PUC decision on Mayor Doutrich of Harrisburg said national security, national energy he was concerned with, "removing the policy, God and motherhood (not to festering sore that’s in our midst mention apple pie). Taylor out­ and removing it as soon as possible." lined the economic and political Apparently expressing similar con­ impact of nuclear power, concluding cerns, the Pennsylvania Chamber of that "No matter how large and Commerce on April 17 announced important nuclear paver appears to their support of the plan to vent utilities and nuclear manufacturers, krypton. it is, in the vernacular of my part of the country, mighty small potatoes Legal Update when viewed in the overall context by Chris Sayer of the energy crisis." TMIA's case before the Penn­ What's more, as Dr. Belmont sylvania Public Utility Commission testified, a decision by the Commis- moved into the final stages last sion which either implicitly or month, with the presentation of explicitly causes a proper valuation witnesses and the filing of briefs of nuclear energy would be a positive for the Commission. contribution to national energy THIA witnesses Dr. Robert Tower, policy. Belmont summarized this Dr. William Belmont and Dr. Vince need, saying "It may be useful to Taylor argued that TMI Unit I think of sending a more accurate should be removed from the MetEd signal of the true economic cost ratebase since it did not meet the of this technology to the invest­ statutory requirements of being ment community by increasing their "used and useful." Tower testified relative share of the financial that there was no indication when burden of the TMI accident by some­ Unit I might again be available to what more than has been suggested as the utility. "To say merely that appropriate in these proceedings." TMI-1 is neither used nor useful The PUC is expected to make a is an understatement," concluded decision in late May on whether the Towers. temporary rate increase will stand, Belmont argued that the entire whether Unit I should be taken out cost of nuclear power in general and of the rate base, and whether MetEd the TMI accident, in particular, had should be allowed to operate in never been figured into an economic the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. analysis of nuclear potver. Belmont pointed out that a full risk-benefit Jimmy Carter has designated the analysis should be done to see if Environmental Protection Agency as the the closing, conversion or phase­ primary federal agency responsible for out of WI as a nuclear facility the monitoring of off-site radiation might be better for everybody in levels around TMI and for running a the long run. program to keep local elected officials Belmont told the connission and the public informed on clean-up that an analysis of utility stocks activities. indicated that there was a higher The EPA is opening an office in cost of equity capital to those Middletown. H. Matthew Bills of EPA’s utilities which had made decisions office of Monitoring and Technical to go down the nuclear path. Support will coordinate local Belmont demonstrated that both activities. Erich W. Bretthauer, before and, to a greater extent, director of EPA’s Nuclear Radiation after the accident, investors have Assessment Division, is project required a significant, demonstrable manager for the monitoring program. risk premium for investing in Time to write some more letters! Aamodt, TMI-NRC hearings intervenor; Editorial: On Hate Kay Camp of Women's International All of us are hostages to Met-Ed League for Peace and Freedom; Rev. and it is only natural that we are Bob Moore of Mobilization for Survival; angry. I have watched our anger and Dannv Sheehan, attornev in the build in private conversations, public Karen Silkvzood case. Entertainment meetings, on buses and street corners. will be provided bv local talent. It reached a resounding crescendo one por more information, contact night in Middletown, I looked around TMIA (233-3072) or the Keystone the room that night and I saw it and Alliance. (Information from Lenoco's heard it from hundreds of people. April/May newsletter. I am afraid.

I was afraid because in some of Nukes & Oil those eyes I also saw hatred. And by Chris Sayer that hatred was not directed at last February, Jimmy Carter nuclear technology, but at the men in made the statement that "each nuclear the front of the room. plant eliminates the need to inport 13 million barrels of oil annually." Don’t get me wrong—John Collins Since 68 plants had commercial is not among my f.avorite people. operating licenses during 1979, But he is a person. Because he is a Carter's figure translates into an representative it is easy to direct our oil savings of 884 million barrels emotions at him. But I think that is wrong. of oil annually. On January 9, at a meeting of the NRC, Roger J. Sherman, Chairman If we resort to verbal and emotional of the Atomic Industrial Forum, stated: violence against people, we lower "The nuclear reactors presently ourselves to the level of the people we licensed to operate...supply the are opposing. If their tools are war, hatred and fear, then we must nation with electricity that other­ choose better tools. wise would require burning 1.5 million barrels of oil a day." This trans­ I’m not suggesting that we take lates into 548 million barrels a the NRC home to dinner this month, or year. that we in any way soften the points Both Mr. Carter and Mr. Sherman we are making. I’m simply saying that are operating from an assumption if a year of fear and anger has which significantly distorts the turned to hate, let’s make clear that relationship between operation of it’s the cooling towers we hate and nuclear plants and oil saved. This not the men who build them. We are relationship is important to those much more likely to convince them who plan our energy policies and to the public, which must judge these of the rightness of our fight for our lives if we respect theirs. policies. Both are being grossly misled. Philadelphia Electric wants to According to George L. Weil, complete construction on the Limerick former assistant director of the nukes on the Schuylkill River in Mont­ Atcmic Energy Ccmmission's Reactor gomery County near Philadelphia. Development Division, most of the According to Critical Mass Journal, displaced fossil fuel is coal. He it's the second worst nuclear power cites a recent study by the NRC plant site in the U.S. because of (using utility figures) that shows high population density — 7 million that nuclear plants definitely dis­ people within a fifty mile radius. place 80 million barrels of oil On Sunday, May 18, Limerick (during an 11 month period from Ecology Action and the Keystone Jan. to Nov., 1979). The annual Alliance will sponsor a rally in total, Weil says, was probably close Chester County, just across the river to 87 million barrels - not Mr. from Limerick. It will run frcm 11 A.M. (cont.) till 5 P.M. Speakers include Marjorie Carter’s 884 million or Mr. Sherman's evacuation plans into every home. 548 million. Sixty-one per cent (NOTE: Met-Ed has offered to print our of the electricity generated by plans for us!) nuclear plants displaced coal, 20 Londonderry Township was proud to per cent displaced oil and 19 per host the vigil held on March 28th. cent displaced oil, coal or gas. Some pro-nuclear residents were In other words, according to disgruntled, but we proved to them the former AEC official, in 1979 that we can protest and still show American nuclear plants that clearly respect for others and their property. displace oil saved as much oil as Township officials were braced for riots Americans could have saved if they and general lawlessness which was had consumed 3% less gasoline. That proven unnecessary if not totally means if you normally drive 10,000 ridiculous. If only as much attention miles each year, you could shut down could be given to evacuation plans for nukes by driving just 300 miles less everyone as was given to the protests each year. of a few who were concerned abou their Community Groups private property! Concerned Citizens of Londonderry Members of the Hershey Area is trying to remain active by scheduling Alliance participated in the rally monthly meetings with a theme for each commemorating the March 28 accident by month. Our meetings will be held the selling sandwiches and buttons and third Tuesday of every month at the bumper stickers. They raised close to Geyer's Civic Center at 7:30pm. Our $400 for their organization. March 18t.h meeting concerned "TMI Is A recent newsletter was mailed to Not Over." Andrea Chessman from the over 175 members and interested residents TMIA education panel brought some facts in the Hershey-Hummelstown-Palmyra area to our attention—facts which raised outlining upcoming TMIA and HAA events. questions that were suggested we ask Also included in the mailing was a fact of the NRC. sheet highlighting the anti-nuclear Our April 15th meeting will face candidates in the April 22 primary the issue of evacuation. The election. Londonderry Township civil defense director will inform us of the There will be a meeting of the evacuation plans being considered Hershey group on Wednesday, May 7 at for our township. At this time, our 7:00p.m. in the Hershey Chocolate Workers' township supervisors "have not gotten Union Hall. At that meeting, members around" to approving the plans. By will discuss plans to hold a future the suggestion of a Concerned Citizen, fund raising project at the Fireman's the supervisors have agreed to hold Parade on May 17 in Hershey. a meeting open to the public strictly for the discussion of the evacuation The Lower Paxton TMIA Chapter is plans and to allow imput from not holding a public meeting in township residents. The supervisors April in order not to compete with did have to be reminded that it's been TMIA's April 16th meeting featuring over a year since the accident and we Art Purcell. still are without evacuation plans. Our executive meeting was held Township residents are becoming April 9th. We welcomed some new increasingly concerned about the lack members and re-organized our of plans. We hope these meetings will committees. So far in 1980, as a be the final push needed to get 6 (cont.) fund raising project, we have had For those who need chimney pre­ a very successful bake sale at the paration, Leo Fetterman of Right Way Colonial Park Plaza, which resulted Chimney Sweep will donate a free in a profit of nearly $500, all of chimney cleaning. it donated to TMIA legal or/and Tickets are $1 (6 for $5) general fund. On this occasion, can he purchased at the office or we want to thank the Mechanicsburg through your community group. All group for bringing us some bake monev raised cioes to wp to keep goods and the Hershey group for TMI closed.. So, save heatincr costs joining us the last day of the sale. and sunnort T'LT.a - sell or, at least, A lottery drawing netted $50. Some buv chances on a warmer, less- of this had to be used for room expen­ expensive winter. ses for our February 27th public meeting. We also bought three copies of "Nuclear Madness" by Dr. Helen Caldicott. Those books were donated to the Lingelstown Junior High School.

Our first public meeting was very well attended and we are very grate­ ful to the TMIA panel for a most informative presentation. The panel consisted of John Murdoch, Dr. William Shoff, Andrea Chessman, and Karen Zaleski, all of them dedicated and knowledgeable. Education, determination and unity can and will alleviate our fears and frustrations by giving us direction and strength. The TMIA panel is a great tool toward those goals and we thank them sincerely.

On April 19th, our group will be at the St. Catherine Laboure Church on Derry Street for the flea market.

Since September 1979, when our group was formed, we are proud to have donated $1,263.40 to TMIA. are also proud to have Paul Makurath heading and organizing in our area the TMIA fund raising project. The steady flow of letters and follow-up phone calls he has generated with his helpers is bringing great results. You will find Paul at the Friends Meeting House every other Saturday. Join him and all the other dedicated people from 9am to 5pm. from Janine R. Ullom

Want a warm house at lower cost? TMIA is raffling off a wood/coal stove, Donated by Schrader Stoves The Alert is looking for an editor. of PA, the stove will burn wood or If you'd like to learn new skills, coal, It will produce energy to have a good time, and make a valuable evenly heat 1800 to 2000 square ft. contribution, please call Terry Roth of living space, The stove retails at 236-9486 (Work) or 232-1191 (home) for more than $600. 7 or the TMIA Office at 233-3072. SHOW MET-ED/PPL YOU CARE TOO! A year later and memories and moratoriums fade. In March and April, the NRC approved limited operating Roses are red licenses for the Sequoya Plant in Violets are blue Tennessee and North Anna 2 in Virginia. Show Met-Ed/PPL that you care too! These were the first licenses issued since the TMI accident began. Mutilate your bill It’s easy to do The Pennsylvania Chapter of the It may sound silly Sierra Club has called for the per­ But it puts them in a stew! manent closing of the TMI facility as a nuclear generating station and More work for Met-Ed/PPL for conversion to another energy More jobs too. source, "provided the best available technology is implemented to protect They can’t say you’re a bum the environment from pollution." For And they can’t sue more information, or a copy of the resolution, contact Jim Schmidt, So deface your bill Nuc. Chair, 190 Gehman Road, Macungie, And have fun too! PA 18062.

Official NRC Data, used by REPRINT FROM LEPOCO NEWSLETTER Critical Mass Journal to study the risk nuclear power plants pose to Shorts American's major cities (populations The plutonium prize of the month exceeding 100,000) reveal that 66 goes to Cumberland County officials cities have five or more reactors including Robert L. Collins of the within a 100 mile radius. Allentown, . New Cumberland Borough Council and PA and Providence, R. I. lead the Earl R. Keller of the Carlisle list with 17 reactors a piece. Borough Council. At a recent meeting Other Pennsylvania cities: with Harold Denton of the NRC, they Allentown, PA 17 suggested that the NRC ’’release the Philadelphia 15 Krypton without public notice to Scranton 7 avoid public protest." On May 18-21 the sixth Eastern The April 2 issue of The Guide Consumer Conference will be held at the reports on Met Ed’s latest contribution Host Inn in Harrisburg. Conducted to the world of literature. They’re by the Institute for Community spending $137,000 for 16-pages of Services, Edinboro State College, the "corporate propaganda about the clean­ conference is sponsored by a large up operations." The booklet fails to number of consumer offices, agencies, mention the Krypton issue (just and organizations from througout the think what it would cost if it had). East. Two-thirds of the cost will be paid Major topics this year include the by the stockholders. And the other impact of multinational corporations third? You guessed it—Met Ed rate­ on consumer interests, the bypassing payers pay again. of low income consumers in market­ place issues, consumer policies in the energy arena, and the need for changes in our health care system. The folks in Livermore, California, Conference fees are somewhat are not having a good year. First steep—$75 for the full conference or the earthquake and then in early $25 for a single day—but a limited April, an "insignificant" amount of number of consumer scholarships are radioactive plutonium leaked from the available. For more information, or Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. to register, contact the Institute Laboratory officials assured that there for Community Services, Edinboro was "no danger to the public." g State College, Edinboro, PA 16444. Alay Calendar I r Saturday, May 3: THIA work session. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Friends Meeting Mon., May 5: GPU Stockholders Annual House, 6th & Herr Sts., Harrisburg. Meeting, Harristown, N.J.

Sat., May 10: ECNP Meeting, 10a.m. to Saturday, May 17: Work Session at 4 p.m., 225 Hetzel Union Bldg, State Friends. ----College, PA. 1------Sat., May 31: Work Session at Sunday, May 18: Rally at Limerick. Friends. See story in this issue.

May 18 - 21: Eastern Consumer Con- ference, Host Inn. See acccrnpanying Wed., May 21: PANE showing of We Are article in this issue or contact the die Guinea Pigs, 7:30, Capitol Institute for Connunity Services, Canpus Auditorium. Edinboro State College, Edinboro, PA.

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Return to: TMIA 315 Peffer Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102 Gasoline... Brought to you by the same serpents who bring you uranium.

315 PEFFER STREET HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17102 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Harrisburg, Pa. Permit No. 807 THREE MILE ISLAND

Vol. 2. No. 5 THREE U CLE IFLAND ALERT June, 1930 WHWMHMaMMMaMaMMMMMBaaMMMBMMHBBMMMaaMMMMMWMMMMBMMMMnW'Mi aMV.lMK-.n Wi MllWl I..-W. MMaHaMMMaHKMMHNMMMMMaMHNMMMWMMMMM* PUC Gives and Takes by Chris Sayer

After five months of exhaus­ they had been receiving frcm that tive testimony (most presented by plant, even though the unit was the Utility) the Pennsylvania not "used and useful", the standard Public Utility Ccmnission (PUC) "measuring stick" for utility pro­ handed down a decision on whether perty. Met Ed could keep its license, The replacement power decision whether they would get purchase placed nearly $140 million in new power from the ratepayers, and costs on MetEd ratepayers. With whether Unit 1 would stay in the the savings frcm Unit 1, the net ratebase. cost will be nearly $110 million In a decision which took a to customers of the utility. In middle road and thus dissatisfied the short term this will help to most everyone, the Commission did keep the utility alive, while in the following: the long term the loss to stock­ 1. Withdrew their "show holders and the resulting loss of cause" order on whether MetEd attractiveness to investers will could continue to operate a hurt them. utility in the Commonwealth TMIA immediately moved to file of Pennsylvania. exceptions to the decision. TMIA 2. Ordered that Unit 1 be attorneys Larry Selkcwitz and Mark taken out of the ratebase and Widoff submitted a brief raising all costs arising from Unit 1 the following objections to the be borne by the corporation. decision: 3. Allowed the full cost of 1. That the PUC erred in not "replacement power" to be requiring that an independent passed on to the consumers, panel be appointed to assess retroactive to March 28, 1979. the conversion option. The withdrawal of the show cause 2. That the PUC erred in not order allows utility to continue to requiring immediate, drastic operate in the state. While not conservation measures. agreeing that MetEd had acted in a 3. That the PUC erred in responsible manner, the Commission allowing full recovery of energy passed judgement on to the federal costs before considering the authorities saying that it felt utility's culpability for the that the federal government pre­ accident and the present empted ary regulatory role of the litigation. PUC in the question of nuclear One of the arguments raised power. by TMIA consultant William Belmont The order to remove Unit 1 from cont. the ratebase deprives stockholders DEADLINE: June 16th of $26.9 million in earnings that was that no one has ever attempted the ads are WHP-FM and WKBO, but there to determine the full cost of nuclear are probably more). power,.including the increased cost What can we do about it? If you of equity capital. TMIA is arguing object to the ad—call rhe radio station that a full study of the cost of and ask them to stop playing it—or conversion should take place, and you'll stop listening. Then call should include an assessment of businesses advertising on the station whether Met Ed would be better and tell them what you told the station. able to raise investment capital It doesn’t take alot of protesting by converting Units 1 and 2 to listeners complaining to paying adver­ coal or other fossel fuels. tisers before the station learns they Additionally, TMIA argued are loosing money playing the plug! that the PUC should order, not DO IT TODAY!! suggest, that conservation take place. Finally, the TMIA experts argue that the Commission has placed great stock in the NRC in determining the degree of manage­ ment culpability in the accident. If the NRC places blame on the utility, the PUC may determine that portions of the replacement power should be placed on the utility. Since there is little likelihood or the utility being able to repay this money if so ordered, TMIA has argued that full cost recovery should be deferred until after the NRC decides blame for OF A VTICJTY CoWDWL the accident and management AU ASPECTS pf fivILPtfifb culpability in the event. TMIA believes and is arguing that the decision does "great Of the nation’s 72 commercially violence" to the opinion stated licensed reactors, 20 generated nary a in the PUC order of June 15, 1979 watt of electricity in March, 1980. Some that "that the ratepayers of were down for repairs, some for modi­ Metropolitan Edison and Pennsy­ fications, some for refueling and TMI„ lvania Electric Company should Another 5 reactors operated at less than be no worse off - and no better 10% of their capacity. Only 29 managed off - because of the accident. a capacity factor above 75%. Peach Bottom 2 operated at 42% and Peach Bottom In an April 30 press release, 3 at 62%. GPU announced that first quarter earnings [from April, 1980 ECNP article; of 28 cents per average share, down source: Nucleonics Week 4/24/80] 53 per cent from the 59 cents reported MHMritimittWHHMMHIHmmtMItUlWmHmHWinmHIimMCHlWHWMWWWMMUHMMIttllHIimmimWIHIMHMMIHMHMHHril for the comparable period a year ago. Net: income was $17.1 million, down 52 per In related news, the Susquehanna cent from the $35.7 million reported in Environmental Advocates are calling foi the first quarter of 1979. an independent audit of PP&L’s records in order to assess the company’s need P.R. BLITZ for additional power—the reason given by Cathie Musser to justify construction of the nuclear plant near Berwick. In light of the Heard the latest? events of Three Mile Island, SEA also The electric companies through a asks the Public Utility Commission to group called the "Committee for Energy fully explore the consequences to our Awareness" is buying lots of time on region’s population, health and economy area radio stations for nuclear energy should a serious accident occur at "advertisements" (some stations playing 2 Berwick. UCS On Krypton As most readers already know, the Union of Concerned Scientists has issued their report to the Governor on the proposed venting of Krypton 85. Briefly they stated that there would be no 'directly induced radiation health hazard” but a great deal of psychological stress if the venting were carried out. They also disputed Met Ed’s claims claims of dangers inherent in prolonging the decision and said that there was time and good reason to consider alternatives such as a different kind of venting HEALTH AND OTHER EFFECTS NEAR TMI selective absorption, or the cryogenic process. A Pennsylvania Health Department study released this month showed "surprising" After the UCS report was re­ levels of anxiety among people living leased, Governor Thornburgh said that near TMI. The study showed disturbing he would no longer oppose venting. increases in the use of sleeping pills, On May 17, TMIA held a press tranquilizers, alcohol and cigarettes. conference conrnending the study and According to Peter Houts, a behavioral Rep. Allen Ertel for his work on scientist at Hershey Medical Center and selective absorption. Joel Roth, the director of the study, "The dis­ speaking for TMIA, said that the tress as we define it, has persisted for UCS conclusion as to the lack of nine months, out to a distance of 15 health dangers would go a long way miles." toward relieving fears of area re­ One of the figures drawn from the sidents, but that no radiation should study will have major significance for be released where an alternative anyone trying to plan for an orderly exists. Roth also called for full evacuation. 54% of the people living consideration of the alternatives within 5 miles of TMI said they would and the establishment of an inde­ "evacuate immediately" in another pendent technical panel (prefer­ nuclear crisis. That means that at the ably the UCS) and a Citizens first word, 19,000 people will be packing Advisory Panel while condemning up, going to the schools to pull out the "shallow and incomplete" their children and getting on the road exploration of alternatives by to get away. They will not assemble the NRC. patiently at street corners, waiting This month the ALERT has a wishfully for the school buses that may different letter-writing recom­ come to take them somewhere. mendation. In the past we’ve [from April, 1980 ECNP article; pushed critical letters to govern­ source: New York Times 4/18/80] ment officials. Let's try our hands at a thank you note for a change. PA Energy Plan U.S. Representative Allen Ertel On Lav 19 Lt. Governor William has put a lot of time and energy Scranton 3d, Chairman of the into opposing venting of Krypton Governor's Energy Council, < and favoring the use of a selec­ released a state energy plan. tive absorption system Congress­ Among the 61 recommendations was man Ertel deserves a pat on the one calling for no new licensing back find reassurance that anti­ of nuclear construction. The nuclear voters will remember him plan would, however, allow completion at the polls. You can write him of plants under construction in at local office in the Harrisburg Limerick, Berwick and Beaver Valley. East Mall. And on a further note of caution, cont. the plan adds, "Given the current 74 per cent felt they should be atmosphere surrounding nuclear cut back; in the Southwest counties power frail a planning standpoint, 67 per cent agreed on cutting back; it would be unreliable and increas­ in the rest of the state, the figure ingly costly. But the staff is not for cutback was 68 per cent. ready to foreclose that option, All four of the areas were sig­ pending any kind of changes in the nificantly higher than a national world energy picture." Gallup survey done in January 1980 The plan relies heavely on which showed that 30 per cent conservation and the use of coal. felt that nuclear power was safe, Pennsylvania is currently a net 55 per cent wanted operations cut exporter of coal producing approx­ back and 15 per cent had no opinion. imately 85.3 million tons and using only 61 million tons in 1978. Silent Majority? Based on current consumption trends, the Council estimates that PA's On Monday, May 12 a group of coal reserves would last 500 years. 25 Central Pennsylvanians met with The final shape of tine plan will the NRC in Washington. Claiming depend upon legislative and admin­ to represent the "silent majority " istrative action. A series of public of the TMI community they advocated hearings is planned for June and July venting of the Krypton so that with a hearing in Harrisburg on June cleanup and reopening can proceed. 25. Scranton predicts opposition The group stressed their trust from utility firms, the construction in the NRC, condemned "sensationa­ industry and others. list" media reports, and apologized for the behavior of other Central Survey Results Pennsylvania residents. State Nearly three out of four Pennsyl­ Representative Kenneth E. Brandt vanians feel that nuclear power plants told the Commission that he are not safe enough and their number wanted then to knew that Central should be reduced until more strict Pennsylvanians "are not represented regulations are put into practice. by a group of ill-mannered indivi­ And Pennsylvanians with the TMI duals who are not willing to listen accident still fresh in their minds, to or accept the views of others". are even more strongly concerned Needless to say Commissioner Joseph about nuclear safety than the rest of Hendrie welcomed the group with the country. open arms. Would anyone care to The public opinion survey of place a bet as to whether we 1,100 residents was conducated by the have heard the last from the "silent Gallup Organization for the Pittsburgh majority"? Post-Gazette late in March. On nuclear power, the pollsters asked Survival Summer the following question: DO YOU FEEL THAT NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS A massive grassroots education OPERATING TODAY ARE SAFE ENOUGH campaign is being launched this sum­ WITH THE PRESENT SAFETY REGULATIONS mer under the sponsorship of Mobil­ OR DO YOU FEEL THAT THEIR OPERA­ ization for Survival. Called TIONS SHOULD BE CUT BACK UNTIL "Survival Summer", the campaign is MORE STRICT REGULATIONS CAN BE PUT patterned after 1964’s Freedom INTO PRACTICE? Summer" and 1967's Vietnam Summer. Twenty per cent of the state Survival Summer seeks to instill residents polled felt that plants a broad awareness of the threat to were safe enough, while 72 per cent human existence posed by militarism, felt operations should be cut. nuclear technology, energy policies Eight per cent had no opinion. and distorted national priorities. Geographically, Philadelphia showed The present national leadership the most distrust with 88 per cent is committed to a future of conven­ saying that operations should be tional mistakes on a grand scale. cut back. Survival Summer will offer a vision of a strong and healthy society clout may be the only thing grounded in concern for the well­ that a politician or public official being of all Americans - and people will listen to. everywhere. The specific goals are: Anyone who is interested in no war, stop the nuclear arms race, finding more should write to Chris sane energy policies and reordered Sayer, 313 Peffer Street, Harrisburg national priorities. or CALL 233-3072. Individuals and groups can make the campaign (and the future) a POLITICAL. ACTION COMMITTEE TO BE success by assisting in the carcassing, FORMED neighborhood forums, referendums, presentations, leafletting, candi­ date confrontations and teachins Help Wanted that make up the fiber of Survival Sumner. For more infornation contact: NFS, 3601 Locust Walk, Phil. PA TMIA has the following openings 19104 (215-386-4875). for top-quality personnel. Payment will be in banannas, milk bones or other non-negotiable items.

EDITOR and other editorial people - to run and help with the ALERT. CALI Terry Roth at 236-9486 or 232-1191 or the Office at 233-3072 if you can help or would be interested in taking over.

OFFICE staffpeople - we need people who would be willing to spend a day or a half day per week in the office handling normal office duties. Call Chris or Kay if you can help (233-3072).

PAC Forming RETAIL MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR - Plans for the formation of a how's that for a good title. We "safe energy" political action corrmit- need someone who would take respon­ tee are underway. The PAC will sibility for getting shirts and operate through the fall elections. buttons to retail outlets and then' PACs are nothing new. Many coordinating money pickups, shirt corporation (especially energy cor­ deliveries, etc. Much of this can porations) have then. They are a be done fron the privacy of your legal way for groups and people to own heme. Call Chris at the funnel money into the political office. process. We hope to add a new dimension. ELJNDRAISERS - all the world needs The plans call for dollar con­ fundraisers. We need people to tributions to candidates for office help with the mailings, make in the state. Additionally, however, telephone calls. Also, we will be we hope to be able to provide con­ setting up a whole schedule of sulting services to candidates, events for the summer and fall. volunteer help for distribution We are looking at picnics, concerts and telephone work, and graphics and the 2nd HoeDown, polka parties, and media assistance. Plans are flea markets, etc. Anyone interv­ already underway for production ested in working should call Chris of TV and radio safe energy spots. at the office. Also, anyone with One of the criticisms leveled fresh ideas on fundraising events should contact the office - you will probably be put in charge 5 of your own project. News & Notes

"Three Mile Island: A Report by The Nuclear Information and Resource the People'7 will appear in the June Service has a toll free line that you issue of The Progressive magazine. The can call from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. article is a condensation of several weekdays if you need help finding some­ statements written by people in the TMI thing or someone having to do with area, who explain in their own words nuclear power. Their phene number how the accident has affected their is 800-424-2477. lives. The article was edited by rotmer York residents Susan and Russell Mills, who have been collecting the statements since September. A special Three Mile Island Alert now has thanks to all of you who have contributed available Bill Keisling's book on statements to the project and/or helped Three Mile Island: Turning Point. encourage others to participate. Keisling, former editor of Harrisburg Magazine, was one of TMIA’s fundraising drive hasbrought the first reporters on the site of in money, members, and support. It’s the March 28th accident. His book also brought more than one interesting looks at the accident, rhe utility letter. One person failed to check any and the NBC, the citizen response of the spaces on the blue card and and the overall effect of the instead added some new categories accident on the nuclear industry. which s/he checked: Keisling’s work has appeared in several national publications "I have an instinctive dislike for including POLLING STONE, and THE any organization headed by a PROGRESSIVE. He is currently 'chairperson.' working on a piece for ATLANTIC Also, for organizations that use on the Philadelphia Inquirer’s four-letter words in their coverage of the accident; coverage which won it a Pulitzer Prize for solicitations. local reporting. I’m in favor of nuclear plants. Copies of the book will be available at the TMIA office for It's good you folks weren’t $4.95. around when coal mining, oil exploration, etc. began—have you ever tried spending the The Alert is sad to say goodbye to winter in a dark tent heated Andrea Chesman. Andrea, who edits Island with burning buffalo chips?" Updates and has been a hardworking member of TMIA, is leaving to take a dream job in Vermont. Andrea, we wish The National Aeronautics and for you higher mountains, cleaner rivers, Space Administration recently good friends and a nuclear-free future. awarded a $296,000 contract to the Boeing Company to help learn whether nuclear wastes can be STAFF THIS ISSUE: fired into orbit around the sum, into another solar system, or Terry Roth (Ed.) Sue Eason elsewhere in the universe. The Debbie R-Fetterman initial assessment due in December The Hummels is part of a four year study pro­ Chris Sayer ject by NASA and the Department Sue Shertom of Energy. Doug West The Williams 6 June Calendar

JUNE 1-3; International Anti- JUNE 19: TMIA Community Nuclear Days of Protest: Local Group has booth at Mechanics­ Observances around the world. burg Jubilee Days. The drawing will be held for the JUNE 3: THIA Planning Council wood stove. Meeting, Friends Meeting House, 7:30 P.M. JUNE 23: P.P.&L. Public Meet­ ing about their proposed rate JUNE 11: TMIA Steering Committee increase, 1801 Brookwood Meeting, Avatar's in New St., Harrisburg, 7:30 P.M. Cumberland, 7:30 P.M. JUNE 25: Public Hearing on JUNE 14: ECNP Board Meeting, the Governor’s Energy Plan Messiah Lutheran Church, in Harrisburg. Call TMIA 6th and Forster Street, for time, location, & details. Harrisburg, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. #233-7897

TMIA MEMBERSHIP FORM

NAME

ADDRES S______

ZIP CODE

TELEPHONE NO.______

Check Type Membership Desired

15 regular 5 low income & student 25 non-profit organization 50 sustaining member 100 patron 200 club member

5 non-member newsletter subscription

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315 PEFFER'STREET HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17102 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Harrisburg, PA Permit No. 807 others do not suffer the same that THANKS FOR VOUR we have. Thank you.

HGLP Joel Roth Dear TMIA Supporter, TMIA Chair Over the past several months, WHO'S doing what you have contributed money and fre­ quently your time to the continuing By Al Mirando struggle that we in Harrisburg find Out of necessity, common cause and ourselves up against: the ongoing purpose, local anti-nuclear organiza­ accident at Three Mile Island and tions have joined together to insure the the subsequent clean-up. The situ­ safe and rapid decontamination of TMI ation has been complicated by an and to promote regional conversion to insensitive Governor, NRC, and safe energy alternatives. The groups federal administration. The situ­ involved since the beginning of 1980 ation has been ironic, in the sense are TMI Alert (TMIA), Environmental Coa­ that a great deal of our money has lition on Nuclear Power (ECNP) of State been going to support Met-Ed via us College, Anti-Nuclear Group Representing as ratepayers and us as taxpayers. York (ANGRY), Susquehanna Valley Alli­ The battle will be won by those ance (SVA) of Lancaster, Newberry Town­ with the greatest resources. For ship TMI Steering Committee of Newberry- now, the other side appears to have town, and People Against Nuclear Ener­ our money; however, you are beginning gy (PANE) of Middletown. to turn that trend, by lending your Two boards have been established financial support to TMIAlert. Your under the fiscal sponsorship of the money goes directly to the legal Youth Project. The Boards are the Three intervention that we are involved Mile Island Public Interest Resource in, and also to efforts to keep Center (TMIPIRC) and Three Mile Island getting the truth out to the public Legal Fund (TMILF). PIRC's function is in this area about the travesty of to gather and disseminate reliable in­ justice that has been inflicted on formation and conduct scientific and the people of Central Pa. The technical analysis. Other activities struggle promises to be long and include media, community organizing, difficult, but with people like your­ and fund-raising. TMILF allocates funds self sacrificing your hard-earned in support of a variety of legal cases money toward the fight, we will over­ resulting from the TMI situation. To come TMI. date, TMIA has received $6,000 from Thank you letters rarely express TMILF for the last three months with feelings better than words; our allocations of $2,000 per month. thanks to you can only be done for As the hearings grow near (October) now through this method. But, the so do our financial needs. We will be appreciation we feel remains real. turning to the Legal Fund for monies Together, we will get this monster in order to obtain: witnesses, cross out of our lives, and insure that cont. examination, subpoena and other related legal obligations. It is important STAFFER RESIGNS. to note that the Legal Fund is not On June 26, 1980, Chris Sayer going to meet all of our needs. It is resigned his position as Staff Co­ still essential for TMIA to continue an ordinator of TMIAlert. The best ex­ aggressive fund-raising effort. pression of how the members felt Presently PIRC is seeking funds, about this can be seen through a let­ submitting proposals to national funders ter sent to Chris by Mike Jones on in order to sustain both boards. A behalf of the Planning Council: national direc-mail campaign has been operating for many weeks; however, it Dear Chris, will be a full year before we will be Your recent resignation as Staff able to benefit. Coordinator of TMIA was announced at A representative from each group the Planning Council meeting, Tues­ sits on each board and works with acting day, July 2, 1980. project director and research coordina­ As a group and as individuals tor Steve Sholly. An administrative we would like to express our deep assistant has been hired. Additional felt appreciation for the time, ef­ staff will be hired, as funding permits, fort and care you put into the TMIA for media and community organizing. organization. Soon the NRC staff will issue- its The expertise you have displayed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on in the many facets of nuclear energy clean-up of Unit 2. One of the major and related issues has been an asset tasks will be to analyze the EIS and to us and the anti-nuclear movement print PIRC's findings. Steve Sholly as a whole. has researched and written several fact We value your friendship and the sheets concerning the issues of krypton, fact that you have always tried to radiation monitoring, and "Nuclear Ac­ be available when we have had orga­ cident and Recovery at TMI." nizational or personal needs. Recently Steve has researched Dr. We remain your anti-nuke friends, Baratta and Dr. Garcia of Penn State University and their application to The TMIA Planning National Science Foundation for a grant Council to operate a "Public Citizen Science Center" (PCSC) at Penn State. Infor­ For those unaware, Chris was mation indicates that Penn State is an an instrumental part of the growth inappropriate choice as a location for of TMIA in the days following the the proposed PCSC project. Penn State accident. His sense of humor, warmth has trained nuclear reactor operators toward people lie met and worked with, employed by Met-Ed and other utilities, and his profound understanding of including some involved in the TMI-2 the issues regarding TMI, will make accident. It is common knowledge that Chris sorely missed. All of us at the president of Penn State, Dr. John TMIAlert are grateful for his con­ Oswald, was appointed to the board of tributions to the organization. We directors of Met-Ed's parent firm, GPU, wish you the best, Chris. after the TMI accident. It appears Penn State has a special interest and LEGAL UPDATE a built-in bias. This is clearly one By John Murdoch of the movements to counter the anti­ While cleanup of TMI Unit 2 pro­ nuclear effort. ceeds in fits and starts, the legal There is much to be done to demon­ wheels grind slowly but inexorably strate our sanity over the insanity of toward the eventual start of hearings nuclear. We never thought it would be on whether or not Unit 1 should be easy, but we have done much together allowed to reopen. and we must continue to renew our com­ These hearings have been ten­ mitment together. tatively scheduled to begin 100 days from July 1, in early October. At *FIND OUT THE TRUE STORY­ that time, the three-member Atomic READ THE ALERT* 2 Safety and Licensing Board will open what promises to be a lengthy pro­ of Concerned Scientists, Newberry Town­ ceeding, with a parade of witnesses ship, the Chesapeake Energy Alliance, and introduction of volumes of evi­ the Environmental Coalition, and three dence, leading to eventual decision individuals (Sholly, Aamodt, and Lewis). by the NRC itself on the question Each is concentrating on a different of permitting Met-Ed again to operate aspect of the situation. TMIA has Unit 1. It is reported that those chosen to devote major attention to hearings will be held in the Harris­ the questions of Met-Ed's financial burg area. and managerial capabilities to oper­ Meanwhile, more than a score ate Unit 1. of TMIA volunteers (Their names will That the TMI case will mark a appear in a later issue of TMI ALERT) landmark in the history of nuclear have been quietly at work at the regulation and in administration law laborious and unglamourous job of seems like a foregone conclusion. researching reams of records to un­ Those who are supporting the battle earth the facts regarding Unit 1 with their dollars, as well as the that will help support the basis of volunteers who are helping with the TMIA's case against restart. In the legal preparation can know that they spartan setting of Met Ed's "Discov­ are helping shape a chapter in that ery Room" at the old Crawford (coal- history. fired) electric generating plant (now out of service) near the Harris­ burg International Airport, they CONSERVATION TIP have been reading through the files that record Unit l's day-to-day Hot water heaters can be more history. Other volunteers are work­ efficient. As well as the insulation, ing at compiling and typing the in­ lowered water temperature and formation found. A total of 590 other conservation tips that are widely hours has been devoted to this task. publicized, there is a way of turning A source close to the firm of off your electric hot water heater, Widoff, Reager, Selkowitz & Adler, except for the times of day you need retained by TMIA to represent its it. The timer you can have attached interests as an intervenor in the is inexpensive and saves both money case, while unwilling to make a pub­ and energy. lic statement prior to the hearing, A regular hot water heater keeps did call the information unearthed water at a usable, HOT temperature to date "extremely interesting" and 24 hours a.day. I know very few said it ought to help document TMIA's people who use hot water while they contentions as to how Unit 1 opera­ sleep! The timer can be set for any tions were conducted. time you use most of your water Dennis Bonetti, of the same legal (mornings—6:00am to 8:00am for showers firm, and John Murdoch, who stepped and dishes) and some can be set in to enlist and organize the volun­ to turn the heater on twice a day teers, have been in charge of the (morning and evening or any other "Discovery Room" work. time you choose). The insulation "Discovery," it is explained, is built into your heater (as well as a legal process aimed at providing the kind you can install) will keep parties to a legal proceeding with the water hot after the heater is evidence to support their case, and turned off and unless you drain all requires litigants to supply one that water before the heater comes another with files and similar in­ on again—you should never notice formation in their possession, on that you're conserving! It will save specific request. The objective is a bundle of money since hot water to prevent "courtroom surprises" -- heaters make up a huge percentage Perry Mason to the contrary notwith­ of your home's electric bill! standing! Call a plumber now! Our timer TMIA is one of several inter- cost us approximately $40 installed vemors in the upcoming case; all are and is called "The Little Grey Box." intent on keeping Unit 1 closed. We have yet to run out of hot water. Others include: PANE, ANGRY, the Union 3 Cathie Musser ARE YOU GOING TO SIT BACK AND LET SOME- . CLCCTION CAMPAIGN ONE ELSE DO THE WORK? ARE YOU GOING TO CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH THE FANTASY By Ed Nielsen THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE TMIA OFFICE? TMIA will be starting a Fall'80 YOUR'RE DEAD WRONG..ONLY EACH OF Campaign on the Elections, that will YOU, THROUGH ACTIVE WORK WILL BE ABLE be extremely critical to the efforts TO MAKE TMIA WORK.PERIOD...NOBODY ELSE to keep TMI shut. Several Community BUT YOU. Group Reps and others have put to­ gether a plan for September thru late CALL THE OFFICE AT 233-7897, OR November '80. Though plans are ten­ ED NIELSEN AT 236-0521. OR BETTER YET, tative, it appears that this campaign CALL YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP REPS AND GET will be initiated immediately. INVOLVED! The plan will be action-oriented, with the focus on placing the following THANKS!! issues in the public eye: A very big THANK YOU to all who 1. intervenor funding for all made our raffle of a wood/coal stove a facets of the continuing acci­ success. Donated by Jerry DuBois of dent at TMI Schrader Stoves of Pa., the stove dem­ 2. public meetings for all onstrates an alternative source of phases of the cleanup energy and burns wood or coal. The 3. establish a citizen advisory raffle was for the benefit of TMIA and panel that truly represents raised approximately $1200. The winner the interests of the people of was Rich Plona of Houston, Texas, who the Central Pa. area was passing through and bought a ticket 4. continuing problem of waste "for the heck of it." In a most char­ disposal from TMI itable gesture, Rich gave the stove back to TMIA as an additional contri­ The plan must work. TMIA is at a bution. crossroads and must rely on the commit­ ment and active involvement of all mem­ bers in order to keep TMI permanently STEERING COMM. REPORT shut. The plan includes these actions: By Joel Roth, Chair several press conferences designed to "Going to sleep counting millirems place TMIA in the media's focus, as well instead of sheep - just one of the 'haz­ as in the public's eye; continuing fund- ards' of being a member of TMIA." Anon­ raising efforts, including phone follow­ ymous TMIA member. ups to the letter campaign, and a legal update and appeal from our lawyers in The Steering Committee has been the NRC intervention; an action de­ incredibly busy during the past twelve signed to have the people of this area months. We have been charged with the confront those in power (legislators) day-to-day operation of the organization with anger and demands for a responsible and the implementation of the goals and end to our nuclear mightmare at TMI - strategy as determined by the Planning this will occur in Harrisburg and then Counci 1. in Washington, D.C. in early October; We meet three or four times a attendance at the NRC public meetings month as a committee and the following that have already begun; and Election items could be found on our agenda: Day demonstrations at as many polling PUC hearings; restart hearings; a legal areas as possible. update from our attorneys; budget; The only way that any of this can cleanup operations and the need for a occur is for all of the members to be­ citizen's advisory panel on the clean­ come actively involved in these stra­ up of Unit 2. tegies. We are about to have the nu­ A considerable amount of time has clear industry (including the NRC and been spent on getting this panel ap­ the White House) try to ram more of pointed. We have recommended that this their ideas down our throats under the panel have complete access to all doc­ guise of democratic process. ARE YOU uments, technical assistance, and input GOING TO LET THIS RIP-OFF HAPPEN TO US? 4 into the decision -making process. We i want to avoid a duplication of the sort groups and individuals from all over of decision-making that occurred during this country and others call to be kept the krypton venting. up to date on what's happening here. Word has been received, unoffi­ Unfortunately, there are calls going cially, the citizen's panel will be unanswered these days. appointed in the near future. Secondly, the mail: Newsletters The seven-person committee, as come from all over the world: requests elected by the Planning Council, in­ for information from individuals, cludes Cathie Musser, Ed Nielsen, John scientists, grant foundations; Tech­ Murdoch (Secretary), Will Rogers (Trea­ nical Reports from the NRC, other surer), Al Mirando (Vice Chair), and scientific organizations and private Joel Roth (Chair). citizens. Right after the accident, Our philosophy is anchored in op­ there were also a large number of new timism. It must be, for optimism brings memberships and contributions. The with it hope and purpose, and therefore, direct mail fundraising has been a will to fight for a safe cleanup and initiated again (and is in need of a permanent shutdown of the Island as help), but almost no contributions a nuclear plant. are coming in. However, the bills At times we do fall back and be­ keep coming regularly. come discouraged, but it is not that There's also mail that should we are making no progress, simply res­ be going out. With this issue, we'll olution of issues that in turn create be returning to two newsletters being other issues. mailed each month: THE ALERT, and A sense of humor is a must: ap­ ISLAND UPDATES (keeping other groups preciating the absurd and helping to "updated" as to our progress), maintain a perspective of ourselves. Planning Council announcements and After all when you are dealing with minutes, membership renewal letters, the "Twin Sisters" of arrogance (Met- announcements of coming events, all Ed and NRC) or otherwise known as the need to be processed. These all "Evil of the Two Lessers," humor helps add up, although a mailing is a simple keep your sanity. thing—IF you have the supplies for The Steering Committee is a micro­ it, which bringsmeto the next cosm of the organization. What I have point. written about the Committee applies An organization of this size to all of our members. (approximately 700) requires large We do not have a monopoly on the amounts of paper, envelopes, tablets, work being done - nor should we. Our stamps and someone to order and organization is strong and will become inventory them. We also need to keep stronger because of the commitment of track of all the T-shirts, books, all the members. bumper stickers, buttons and pam- The national elections coming up phlets—very necessary items if in November will be a springboard for we're going to educate our neighbors.* action. We will put pressure on the *Most work done in and for the candidates. No politician can sit on office is uncomplicated, requires a hot issue if we make it hot enough. little time if done routinely and absolutely necessary if TMIA is going OFFICE REPORT to survive and (more importantly) be effective! If all the key people Most members of TMIA have never use their time keeping up with the visited the office at 315 Peffer Street necessities—there's no energy or in Harrisburg and until I started time left for the programs everyone working there on a regular basis--I wants us to be providing. didn't know what happens there--or at I didn't intend this to be a least is supposed to happen. depressing report, but until we can First, there's the phones. TMIA afford to hire the staff person to is listed in the phone book and a fit the job description designed by varying amount of calls come in every the personnel committee, we are day. Most calls are from concerned responsible for the day-to-day opera­ local individuals, but the media call tion of TMIA. for opinions or statements and other 5 Cont. Several members spent two consecutive weekends improving the RATE BOYCOTT physical appearance of our humble home, so those who visited several months ago and were unimpressed by People all over the country are the decor, should give it another fighting against rate hikes and the try. nuclear power that causes them by par­ There needs to be some individ­ ticipating in a rate boycott of their uals who can spend part of one day electric company. Here's how it works: a week answering the phone and Each month when you pay your utility possibly handling one small aspect bill, withhold a portion of the bill. of the day-to-day routines. After Met-Ed customers should withhold 25% one or two visits to the office, as this represents the nuclear portion you'll become acquainted with the of their budget. PP&L customers should types of calls received. Until withhold 10%, which is the national then, someone will arange to be average of electricity generated by there with you. They key here is nuclear reactors. Adams Electric that time required of one individual Cooperative customers should withhold is directly related to how many 10% since they buy some of their power individuals are involved. Being through nuclear companies. involved with the office has taught Write out two checks—one for the me new skills and expanded my utility and the other for the boycotted horizons tremendously. There are amount. Open a special savings account benefits to everything! in which to deposit the boycotted So--I am offering my services as amount. By depositing your withholding a job counselor for TMIA. I'm you are demonstrating "good faith" and sure there are many of you that showing that you are not just trying want to help, but don't know where to avoid payment of your utility. you'll fit in. Believe me, there's Don't be concerned that your elec­ a function to suit every skill tricity will be shut off. In Pa., you and amount of time you have to spend. must be given ten days notice and an Just call me (652-8651) at home or opportunity to file a complaint with leave a message with whoever answers the PUC. At that point, you may choose TMIA's phone (we have call forwarding). to pay up and begin the boycott again I will get back to you and we'll with the next month's bill. You will discuss it—NO STRINGS ATTACHED. ’ have the money readily available in the Cathie Musser savings account with accrued interest that would help offset any service charge the utility may require. ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE- For additional information on the rate boycott campaign, contact Jack UJE NEED YOU Knake at 800-932-0701 or 528-8265.

The nominating committee to elect new members of TMIA Steering Committee jmmUPCOMING EVENTSmm? is gearing up under the direction of Debbie Tulli, assisted by Karen Helvin October 1 "Nuclear Nightmares: Wars and Nancy Orlowski. They will need That Must Never Happen" on WITF/Channel your suggestions and help to put 33 at 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1. together a good slate for the The 90-minute documentary, narrated by October elections. You may call in Peter Ustinov, depicts four "nightmares" to the TMIA office or call Debbie acted by Ustinov that imagine circum­ at 232-9104. It is extremely important stances leading to nuclear conflict. to our efforts to continue with good leadership. We owe our present October 4 Rally at Berwick Plant, spon­ Steering Committee a debt of gratitude sored by Susquehanna Valley Alliance on for working so hard under such Oct. 4, 12-3 p.m. Contact Bob Witkowski difficult conditions and doing a at 829-5788 for additional information. great job. If you are committed, NOW is the time to accept the challenge. 6 T

Ed's financial arrangement with the ' COMMUNITV RCPORT Shopper. We will share all responses in thp next Alert, Fall is coming! We've plugged In May, we approached the through the humidity long enough. With Lower Allen Township Commissioners the cool air of autumn will begin requesting them to make a statement the fresh vibrations of new beginnings concerning nuclear energy. They within Three Mile Island Alert. The agreed to take a survey of 5000 Mechanicsburg TMIA community group residents via the township's monthly had a successful Jubilee Day, selling newsletter. The survey question: raffle tickets, buttons, T-shirts, and "Are you in favor of the permanent books from First Edition Book Store. shutdown of TMI as a nuclear facility?" We netted 25 new names of interested The survey results showed 58% were people and $130. We wish to thank opposed to TMI, 41% not opposed, Cese Viti, Helena Dietz, Nancy 1% undecided. Last year, in the Kohlstrak, Pam Hamilton, Kim Scott, Borough of Mechanicsburg, the Keith Bentz, Chris Thorpe, Wendy results were 56% opposed to 43%, Lathram, Sharon Umholtz, Ruth Gentle, and 1% undecided. We are makinq Frank Davis, Ed & Mary Ann Charles, progress and judging from the comments Winifred Najdek, Tim & Peg Lyng, Barb on the surveys, people are becoming Smith and especially Mike Jones for more knowledgeable and still have making it all happen. Most people very strong feelings on the subject. were concerned about what will One comment was, "I'd like to tell happen in the future--decontamination Harold Denton and his boys to kiss and waste materials. Other citizens my grits!" We won't be satisfied were neutral rather than negative in until the commissioners make a public regard to nuclear energy. statement on Three Mile Island. During the summer months, several Mary Hartnett members from Carlisle, New Cumberland and Mechanicsburg met and discussed the Let us tell you a very ugly fact Cumberland County evacuation plan. about every nuclear power plant... We came up with many problem areas a fact that your utilities do not and wrote a list of questions. We tell you...a fact that the United assumed the next step was to talk with States Department of Energy has Mr. Tom Blosser, Office of Emergency not told you. Preparedness for Cumberland County. Mr. Blosser was polite and nonchalant, *After approximately 30 years of but could not begin to answer any of operation, each nuclear power plant our specific questions. We will now will no longer be operable. The meet with the Pennsylvania Emergency plant will be so radioactive that Management Agency to get some satis­ it will have to be sealed and guard­ factory answers. ed for centuries. Frank Davis, on behalf of Mechan­ *After approximately 30 years of icsburg TMIA has written to the WHP operation, each plant is so thor­ station manager expressing our anger oughly poisoned with very high levels concerning the recent advertisements of radiation that each plant must in support of nuclear power. WHP be considered a permanent hazard to said we would be given time to air the public health for centuries. our views, but specific arrangements The process of radioactive poison­ are forthcoming. A letter was also ing begins from the moment that the sent to Ms. Susan Shanaman, Chairwoman first atomic fuel core is inserted of the Public Utility Commission, con­ into a plant. The radiation levels cerning the publication and distribution in the plant structure rise steadily of a propaganda report entitled week after week, month after month, "Three Mile Island--0ne Year Later." year after year as a succession of This report was enclosed with the West atomic fuel cores are inserted into Shore Shopper, which is delivered a plant, used in the generation of throughout the entire West Shore area. electricity, and are extracted from Another letter went to the Shopper the plant. asking pertinent questions about Met- 7 TELL ME A HORROR STORY MOMMY By Doris Jean (Simmons) Clayton Listen little children don't you cry Not only are we free at last, while I tell you the story of TMI; but nuclear power will be in the past: Like the big bad wolf, radiation Children you are here today, came to town, because in the past someone else causing all the people to cuss had to pay: and frown: Long ago the Indians took a stand, Now like the three little pigs, they fought and they died for love all the people were filled with fear, of their land. for where could they run with death The Blackman was brought here, bound in the air: and tied, They decided they would stay and robbed of his dignity, stripped of fight, this pride: entertainers came to join their plight: Now it took TMI’s accident to make Linda Ronstadt sang Home on the Range, us see, Pete Seeger siad things gotta change; if we support nuclear power, we will Dick Gregory said above the crowd, never be FREE: in a deep seeded voice strong and loud:

Staff This Issue

Sue Olmstead, Ed. Cathie Musser Joel Roth Mary Hartnett Al Mirando Mary Rosenkrans Ed Nielsen Doug West John Murdoch Sue Shetrom Terry Roth DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: Sept. 19

315 PEFFER STREET HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17102 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Harrisburg, PA Permit No. 807 THREE MILE ISLAND

STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS _____John Murdoch - Steering committee member since October 1979 and now serves as secretary; Heads legal task force The people listed below have volunteers; Member of Mechanicsburg been nominated to serve on the TMIA Community Group and TMIA Speakers Panel. Steering Committee. Seven members •will be elected. The results will _____Mary Osborn - Heads Steelton- be announced at the Nov. 4th Planning Swatara Township Community Group; Com­ Council meeting, at which time the munity group representative on Planning newly elected Steering Committee Council. will assume their duties. Any member of the present Steering Committee ___ _Mary Hartnett - Organized and head who is re-elected will serve for of Mechanicsburg Community Group. TMIA 6 months. New members will serve newsletter staff person. for a one-year term. Strong leadership is essential _____Ed Nielsen - Member of present to our efforts. The Steering Com­ Steering Committee; Community Group mittee represents the entire member­ organizing; former member of Susque­ ship and YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! hanna Township/Uptown Harrisburg Please vote by marking a check Steering Committee. (./) next to your choices. Vote for seven. Return your ballots to Debbie _____Joel Roth - Chairman of present Tulli, 200 Shamokin Street, Harrisburg Steering Committee; TMIA Interim Com­ 17110 by no later than October 31st. mittee member; TMIA newsletter staff VOTE AND MAIL IT IN TODAY! person. WE NEED EACH OTHER NOMINEES...

_____Louise Bradford - Education task The past several months have been force; Coordinator of HACC Teach-In extremely difficult ones for both TMIA and May 6 March on Washington; Organ­ as an organization, and the individuals izer of Speakers Panel; Volunteer staff as members. Because of the long period person at TMIA. of time during which clean-up and other issues would be sequenced, activists _____Barbara Smith - Active member of trying to keep TMI shut would have to Mechanicsburg Community Group; Former pace their energy and work closely with member of Mechanicsburg Steering Com­ each other. To do otherwise would lead mittee. to burn-out and personality conflict so severe that the organization itself _____Paul Makurath - Active member of could be jeopardized. We now find Lower Paxton Township Community Group; ourselves at a crossroads that will test Coordinator of direct-mail fund drive: our commitment to each other and our Assists with fundraising and political0 effort; this is something that most lobbying activities. Cont. members were aware of, even at the time b*een made: however, instead of dropping of the accident. out, people have continued to push on. The status of TMIA as a large The hope is that all of us who truly membership organization, is presently care about keeping TMI shut for future somewhat shaky. Many people who were generations will finally learn that we once actively involved, have now dropped can have our disagreements, but still or burned out; their reasons were many, work superbly together. We have no but often cited were "too much work for excuse not to do this; yet, we have too few people," or "I couldn't stand every excuse: OURSELVES. being around the office or .11 We can no longer afford to choose Personal, petty gripes that don't need to allow our individual needs to stand to have such an impact...yet they do... in the way of the group's and commu­ Within TMIA, a system can be created nity's needs. The power and money that equally distributes workload, pro­ (almost all of it is ours, tax or vides for interaction rather than con­ rate) that is against us is incredible. flict, and doesn't allow personality For now, only the people who read conflicts to have such far-reaching this and choose either to push for effects on our organization. We have active change and growth via involve­ the capacity to make TMIA much more ment, or drop out because "it's not effective than it presently is. Of worth it" have the decision to make. course, the key is everyone's involve­ Any of us can make decisions and ment. Period. feel good about it; now we need to In the past several weeks, the act on those decisions. It's on Steering Committee has attempted to each of us....call the office...WE restructure and address some long NEED EACH OTHER...damn it, it's our overdue issues within the organization. future...not Met-Ed's. Nominations from Planning Council for Ed Nielsen Steering Committee and the structure for elections; running the Peffer St. A PEOPLE'S ENERGY MOVEMENT ‘office with an al 1-volunteer staff; responding to the numerous requests for comment on the continuing accident; "From 'No Nukes' To A PEOPLE'S setting up public meetings with a ENERGY MOVEMENT: A Strategy For The reluctant NRC; continuing fund-raising 1980s," co-authored by Pamela Haines for organization survival and most and Bill Moyer, was recently published important, the legal intervention by the Movement For A New Society's with the NRC; repainting and remodeling magazine, DANDELION. the office: developing a realistic The article describes a broad budget; assessing, restructuring and strategy for the anti-nuclear energy rechanneling the remaining Community movement to develop from a basic empha­ Groups; trying to assure that new sis of no nukes to a broader people's projects and ideas get the appropriate energy movement in which people take support and follow-up? if the project charge of the energy sector of their lives. This process is actually al­ is seen as workable within TMIA; ready well under way, but different and finally, though not conclusively, parts of the movement are often not taking on the frustration of the mem­ aware of each other because they don't bership who see the Steering Committee as doing very little for them. see how the different sectors comple­ ment each other. It includes a de­ At this point, I'll stop. It should scription of the historical develop­ be quite obvious that the key to the problems I outlined, as well as the key ment and changes in the movement, em­ to virtually any problem we face, is phasizes the need for movement plural­ our involvement. It should also be ism, and describes a wide variety of obvious that Steering Committee does current groups and reference materials. put in a lot of time and effort into Copies of the article are avail­ developing TMIA. Yes, mistakes have able from Bill Moyer, 4713 Windsor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143; phone: (215) 729-3276. The cost is 25

The Susquehanna Valley Alliance COUNTERATTACK will sponsor a "Harvest Festival" on Saturday, October 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House In response to a national pro- on Tulane Terrace, Lancaster. nuclear power campaign sponsored by the There will be crafts, a greenhouse, nuclear industry, the Safe Energy Com­ vegetable and fruit market, a secondhand munications Council (SECC) has been bookstore, alternative energy booth, a formed to present the other side of bakery, clowns, jams, jellies, and rel­ the issue. One of the first efforts ishes, a vegetarian cafe, films, and of the new coalition has been to de­ live music. velop a series of public service an- From Harrisburg, take 283 to noucements (PSAs) in response to the Lancaster. Get off at Rohrestown Exit paid nuclear ads. The PSAs cover such onto Rohrestown Road. At third traffic issues as nuclear waste, energy demand, light (Two Guys), take a left onto Co­ foreign oil dependence, and nuclear lumbia Pike. Go past McDonald's and safety. Regional representatives of make a left on the next street(Tulane SECC are monitoring TV and radio sta­ ‘ Terrace). Friends Meeting House is one tions across the country, and are 3 block in. WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING ON NOVEMBER' NTH?

On November 4, put your vote not help to elect Ronald Reagan. where your mouth is, and help to Don't vote for Carter. establish a new political party! Remember that Carter is a The Citizens Party, the Consumer nuclear engineer. Party in PA Remember that Carter favors —is the only party to ad­ the insane MX missile system. vocate the swift development of Remember that Carter signed alternative energy, such as the Venice Accords, which solar, wind, biomass, etc, endorse the world-wide expan­ —is committed to phasing- sion of nuclear power. out nuclear power throughout Remember that Carter ap­ the country. proved the sale of 38 tons of —is committed to keeping reactor-grade uranium to India. TMI closed until such time as Remember that Carter es­ it is not nuclear. sentially ignored the recom­ —supports the idea of in­ mendation of the Kemeny Com­ dividual and community develop­ mission to reorganize the NRC. ment of power, to cut the utility Remember that Carter's costs. Vice President came to speak —will not be bought-out by to a dinner of the Democratic special interests. State Committee but would not —supports the election of speak to the 100 TMIA demon­ the P.U.C. to make it account­ strators outside. able to the people. Remember that Carter has VOTE BARRY COMMONER FOR PRESIDENT! refused to meet with Central DAVE LEACH FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, Pennsylvanians to discuss the 87TH DISTRICT, AND THE ENTIRE CON­ issues surrounding TMI. SUMER TICKET. Remember what Carter has done for the people of Three ****## Mile Island. Nothing. Vote for almost anyone. But don't vote for Carter. On November 4th . . . —Paul Makurath Don't vote for Carter. Cast a third-party protest vote for John Anderson, Barry Commoner, or Andrew Pulley. Carter will win in Pennsylvania anyway. So a vote for one of these men will

Funky Winkerbean

'wHAT KIND OF ACTION ARE ... AND SO THAT'S THE STORQ AND WE FIGURE THAT A GOVERNOR .' THE SITUATION WE PLANNING TO TAKE FIVE PER CENT INCREASE HERE IS ST/LL TOUCH AND WELL, WE'UE BEEN RUNNING IN OUR RATES SHOULD JUST ALL OF THE DAMAGE REPORTS ABOUT COUER IT I THROUGH A COMPUTER ...

4 COMMUNITY REPORT in October. Member Jerry DePew requested that Congressman Goodling sign the Environmental Adams County Group produced Action pledge to refuse any con­ a folded brochure hand-out over tributions from the "Filthy Five" the summer. We have been using major corporations designated as it to meet an unfilled need to notorious polluters. We are have a single item that covers pleased to report that Goodling the ground simply and gets to unhesitatingly agreed, pointing the point. Since it has worked out that his policy is not to ac­ well for us we recommend the cept any contributions in excess idea to other community groups of $100. and will send a copy on request The group also made anti­ with SASE (TMIA-Adams County, nuclear inrodds at a public meet­ Box 235 Arendtsville, PA 17303). ing conducted by state legislator Special recognition goes to Ken Cole for the purpose of airing Jerry DePew and Dorothy Lamberti ratepayer dissatisfaction with who wrote and designed, the group who proofed, and Mac Met-Ed rate hikes. Cole has been Albright who arranged printing. highly active in proposing legis­ Brochure titlei "Why We Must lation aimed at protecting resi­ dents and ratepayers from further Oppose Nuclear Power". abuse by Met-Ed and his campaign Wayne and Sue James continue their outreach to church groups to improve state government involve­ ment on the cancer front makes us in the county. As part of their • proud to have him representing us. presentation, they are donating copies of John Gofman's "Irrevy". ****** Elyse Clark has been buying new books in the anti-nuclear and energy areas, reviewing them for the group, and donating them to REFERENCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE the county library. The group was significantly involved in support of the The TMIA office receives numerous Harrisburg-Hiroshima connection materials such as NRC bulletins, EPA this summer in conjunction with bulletins, and national and local news­ Nobuko Miyake, a Hiroshima native letters, that are kept on file. If whose life-mission is interpret­ any interested person would want to ing the significance of Hiroshima read some of these materials and then in Christian terms. Nobuko shared share highlights in the newsletter, her perspective with the group call the office at 233-7897 or stop several times and made special by at 315 Peffer Street, Harrisburg. presentations in Gettysburg, Fair- field, Lancaster and Harrisburg, aided by TMIA-Adams County. The Adams County Apple Har­ vest Festival, October *+, 5 and 11, 12 will again include anti­ nuclear outreach. The group will operate a booth for hand-outs, buttons and T-shirts, conversation and a few surprises. The festival will be at the South Mountain Fairgrounds. Stop in and say hello when you come to visit the festival. Meeting with Representative Bill Goodling, the group secured his promise of an in-depth public session on energy to be scheduled TMIA MEMBERSHIP FORM

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PAID Harrisburg, PA Permit No. 807 ord of maintenance postponed for STEERING COMMITTEE NEWS ■more than a year on critical plant parts, and of workers pushed to The new Steering Committee has the point of exhaustion through elected officers for this term. Mary excessive overtime to get the Hartnett of Mechanicsburg was elected plant back ’’on line” in order to chairperson, with Louise Bradford of churn out electricity and more Harrisburg as vice-chair. The man dollars for GPU’s and Met-Ed’s behind our main fundraising efforts, coffers. Paul Makurath of Lower Paxton, was elected treasurer. Mary Osborn of The records,accepted into evide­ the Swatara-Steelton group was elect­ nce, are examples of those gleaned ed secretary. Barb Smith, John Mur­ from Met-Ed’s own files by three doch, and Joel Roth make up the rest of the Steering Committee. Ed Nielsen dozen diligent and dedicated TMIA had also been elected, but has re­ volunteers who devoted more than 1,000 hours of work to digging signed. We thank the outgoing members out the damning facts*- for their long hours of hard work that has resulted in making TMIA a The NRC ’ s own staff attorneys respected and well-known anti-nuke have appeared to be joining the group. Guiding TMIA will be quite a high-priced lawyers of Met-Ei in challenge for the new officers. The arguing that what happendd in the Steering Committee is looking for­ past doesn’t count., Together they ward to working closely with the have fought against having the Planning Council to keep things mov­ evidence accepted. However, Ivan ing. If you've got any ideas --or Smith, respected Board Chairman, complaints-- jot them down and mail to TMIA-Suggestion Box, 315 Peffer BULLETIN Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. ■The law firm of Widoff Reager Selkowitz & Adler has sent a let­ UNIT 1 HEARINGS ter to TMIA emphasizing that their ability to continue to represent The opening round in the leg­ TMIA in the Unit 1 restart hear­ al battle to keep TMI Unit 1 shut ings now depends on the provis- has ended, but not before TMIA, Cont. through its attorneys, appears to have scored a series of telling blows against the nuke plant op­ MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL. erators . IS IT TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP? The date above your name and address The 3-member Atomic Safety and indicates when your TMIA membership Licensing Board, which opened the should be renewed. Please cut out restart issue hearings on October all this information and return with 15 in Harrisburg, listened in rapt vour check so we can be sure our silence as company witnesses tried records are correct. Thank you. to explain away a consistent rec­ ion of funds needed to further meet past (and anticipated fut­ PEIS & ADVISORY PANEL MEETINGS ure) legal expenses incurred by On Nov. 10th, the PUIS the firm, and to provide for much- (Programmatic Environmental needed expert witnesses. Impact Statement) meeting took place at the Forum. Mary Hartnett, TMIA Chairperson, Honored guest was Mr. Victor in noting the seriousness of the < Gilinsky, NEC Commissioner. financial need, praised those in­ The final document should be dividuals and organizations whose ready in March, *81. Dr. past contributions made possible Peterson from Lancaster com­ what has already been accomplish­ mented that long term depress­ ed in the hearings. ion is still prevalent in our «*■»****#* area. The decision on what was quoted by the Harrisburg Eve­ will finally be done with the ning News on October 17 as warn­ contaminated water is a con- ing that if TMIA were able to stant,gnawing concern for the make a case that Met-Ed was in­ residents of Lancaster and competent in the past and ’’con­ many other people who obtain tinues to be bad’’ then ’’somebody’s their drinking water from the going to have to disabuse the Susquehanna. The Clean Water Board of that impression.’’ Act does not prohibit the dis­ charge of radioactive water in­ The opportunity to prove the to a navigable waterway. second part of that case will The League of Women Voters come when TMIA, through its att­ of Pennsylvania and Maryland orneys, gets the chance to cross- asked that the NHC be extreme­ examine 'Met-Ed’s own presentation ly vigilant on monitoring for to the Board, by early next month, ■ contamination of soil, ground of the company’s sanitized plans and surface water. The League and much-vaunted management shake­ also stated that citizens have up, on which the plant operators a basic right to know about all are thought to have been working governmental actions and deci­ feverishly since the ’’worst-ever" sions that concern them. Pub­ accident of March 28, 1979 at lic health and environmental Unit l’s sister reactor. issues here have world-wide ramifications. (Whether TMIA will be able to A lady from SVA made an seize that opportunity and com­ analogy; licensing any more plete its case likely will depend nuclear plants without a sound on what happens as a result of plan for'waste disposal is like the situation described in the "building a house without an "Bulletin’’ above.) outhouse," She begged the NHC not to add any more rooms to Meanwhile, other intervenors are theip house. presenting their arguments before On Nov. 12th, the rirst the Board on a score of reasons NRC-appointed Advisory Panel why (they contend) Unit 1 should met at the Forum, with approx­ not be permitted to reopen. The imately 200 people in atten­ hearings are expected to continue dance. The purpose of the until next April. Anyone is entit­ meeting was to establish or­ led to sit in on the hearings as ganizational procedures and an observer. They are being held familiarize the panel with each week, Tues, thru Thurs., on the PEIS. The panel is com­ a 9-5 schedule, and Friday morn­ posed of Dr. Arnold Muller, ings, in a ground floor hearing Pa.Dept, of Health, Mr. Cliff room (enter from Court St.) in Jones, Dept, of Environmental the parking garage across Walnut* •Resources,(present),Lt. Gen. 'ft. from the Federal Building. 2 Dewitt Smith, Pa. Emergency 'Cont. Management Agency, Mayor Robt., of Energy is being requested Reid, Middletown(present), to discuss where to put the Mayor Arthur Morris, Lancaster wastes and a member of Congress. Mr. John Minnich, Dauphin Co.' Commissioners, Chairman of PIRC & TM1LF:TRANSITION 1981 panel, Nunzio Palladino, Dean, College of Bfrigineering, Penn Three Mile Island Public Interest State Univ., Dr. Henry Wagner, Resource Center, consisting of the Baltimore, Dr. Thomas Cochran, six local anti-nuclear groups in the Natural Resources Defense Central Pa. area, is looking towards Council, Washington,D.C. 1981. The areas being discussed are: (present), Mr. Joel Roth, maintaining the PIRC office, research, (present), Ms. Jean Kohr, public information, education, media, SVA attorney,(present), and ;political/legislative, and fundrais­ Mrs. Ann Trunk, Middletown, ing. (present). Clearly the cooperation of all Mr. Cochran asked why the groups and their members is needed storage of wastes inside the to achieve our goals. Instead of containment building had not each group trying to do everything, been included in the P3IS. a system of organization is needed Tom also suggested an answer; which would efficiently utilize the that the NRC is already pre­ energies of each group while avoiding disposed to restart. If you duplication. Not only would we know narrow the feasible choices what each other is doing, but we down, people believe other would be more effective and lessen options cannot be consider­ the chance of burnout. It is im­ ed. portant to note that each group has Mr. Minnich asked the NRC its independence and can do whatever "to decide whether the plant it decides, since by no means can will be allowed to restart or PIRC mandate any group. However, not. The people are entitled without some cooperation, our efforts to know, after all they have will be in vain. been through." Chairperson Bev Hess and Direct­ The dumping or the waste or Steve Sholly have met with five water was another major issue. funding representatives (Veatch, Mr. Jones asked the panel to Rockefeller, MUSE, Boehm, and Fund­ hold on a decision until they ing Exchange). Hopefully one or had an opportunity to ask fur­ some of these sources will continue ther questions. to sustain PIRC and TMILF in the Several citizens had re­ near future. quests or questions: Mike A leadership meeting with rep­ Horgan wondered how we ended resentatives of all area groups has up with type of panel when we taken place. The purpose of this nad asked for a citizen’s pan­ meeting was to help plan strategy el. Mrs. Pat Smith, Newberry- and establish direct action-oriented town, asked that one or two programs. The first attempt at direct one or two representatives from action was to encourage people to York County be included on the attend the first meeting of the panel. Mr. Jim Hurst asked the Citizens Advisory Panel on Nov. 12. panel to check into the pro­ It worked! 200 people were present lobbying efforts going on in to give the type of support that is this area and their effect on needed. the people. Mr. Will Rodgers Presently the Legal Fund Board asked why intervenors repre­ is discussing a new process to appro­ senting the citizens couldn’t priate funds. They are also updating obtain funding. and reevaluating every intervenor's The next meeting will be case presented before the Licensee either Dec. 10th or 12th. A Board hearings on the restart of representative from the Dept. 3 Unit .1. TMIA received $5,000 in September uation routes and make any revisions from the Legal Board and we are thank­ in PEMA's plan. He claims the plan ful for the Board's support. Fortu­ is workable, but admits that there nately we were able to raise an addi­ may be problems if people should tional $5,000 in order to meet our panic... attorneys' needs of $10,000 to begin We hope to meet with the Cumber­ the first phase of the hearings. The land County Commissioners to see if next phase - rebuttal - is due to start this plan has been approved and to in March 1981. see if they have answers to the un­ The TMILF direct mail campaign limited numbers of questions/problems is in its second national cold mailing. that would arise following another Thus far, $14,174 has been raised, accident at TMI or any nuclear facil­ with a break-even point of $20,000. ity. Their response or lack of it Although slow at times, our will then be passed on to the media. progress has been encouraging. We look As a nuke is not permitted to to 1981 as a time of cooperation and operate without an approved evacua­ further achievement. tion plan, and as we need to investi­ If you have any questions or rec­ gate all avenues open to us, we're ommendations, or would like to offer ' hoping we can ultimately uncover the your assistance in these efforts, please inherent flaws in this (and all?) call Al Mirando at 774-7215, TMIA office evacuation designs and consequently at 233-3072, or PIRC office at 233-4241. KEEP IT CLOSED! We encourage all I local groups to contact their county officials, request copies of their EVACUATION CONCERNS plans, and point out the many dis­ Paula Prober crepancies. Any suggestions or questions, Members of the Carlisle and call Paula Prober at (717) 697-9245. Mechanicsburg groups have been meet­ Note: In a referendum on Nov. ing to compile a comprehensive list 4th, the people of Washington state of weaknesses in the Cumberland County voted to close the Hanford site as TMI Emergency Evacuation Plan. Mike of July 1st. Call the DER's Dept, Kline procured a copy of the plan of Radiological Health and ask who (an achievement in itself). Sections is going to take TMI's waste material were handed to members to analyze now. and a follow-up meeting was held to list the questions and determine the CQMHITY. AFFAIRS next steps. Mechanicsburg is holding In mid-August a meeting was held their meeting at 7:3°, Thurs. with Tom Blosser, author of the plan. Dec. 11th, St. Josenh’s Cath­ He found it difficult to respond to olic Church, >+21 .'3.Simpson St., certain inquiries, such as: "How long Meeh. Topic: 'What is Civil will it take to get the entire ten Disobedience? Meeh, is also mile radius evacuated?" (assuming selling "No Nuke" rubber stamps of course that people 11 plus miles for. $2.5O(ink pad not included). away will not be leaving), or "Are Will make nice Christmas gifts there enough vehicles to transport with a message. You may place school children to the various lo­ your orders with Mike Jones, cations and will problems result when 766-^100 or Ruth Gentle,737-20- parents go to pick them up?" "Do 75. teachers know that they are supposed to stay with the students and not SPECIAL REQUEST- return to their own families?" or We are trying to locate "When vehicles are decontaminated by pictures or slides taken or some sort of rinsing process, what meetings(especially the March happens to the run-off?" 19th,*8O meeting in Middletown) A PennDot official, a Mr. Hack­ rallies, or shots 0" the Island. man, was questioned by phone. It Please call the office if you was his responsibility to assign can help in this regard - 233- traffic volume estimates to the evac­ 7897. signals. The cutoff in feedwater COMPUTER MALFUNCTION flow caused the reactor cooling Georgianna N^ce system pressure to increase and the reactor to trip or shut down. Computer malfunction ia In the period following the occurring at nuclear power plants. reactor shutdown, the operators still The B & V reactors seen particularly were hampered by the lack of instru­ susceptible to this serious problem. mentation and by equipment responding The 'larch 28, 1980 issue of Science to inaccurate signals. These false magazine discusses the problem, which signals had several effects. It caused the Crystal River accident was difficult for the operators in late February. An electrical to ascertain which indications were short circuit causes loss of non­ valid, given the changing plant nuclear instrumentation which in conditions and the wide variety of turn leads to erroneous signals possible errors that were introduced . to the ICS which uses a conputer to Only a select few parameters were perform, operations. known to be valid readings, and the In the Crystal River accident, operators had to control the plant the computer in the ICS gave out based on that information. The and received erroneous information second effect was that false signals due to a short circuit in the non­ were fed into the integrated control nuclear instrumentation. The com­ system, so equipment was operated puter erroneously sensed the coolant without regard to actual conditions. was growing too cold. It began to Contrary to the Kemeny Commis­ accelerate the nuclear reaction in sion Report, we can see that we have the core by withdrawing the rods. a very serious computer problem. The At the same time it reduced the files show evidence of a power flow of coolant. The reactor over­ failure during the TT'I accident. ”e heated, driving the pressure up know that some instruments malfunc­ to the dangerous level, and then tioned. TTe know there was a cutoff shut down. Rhe conputer told the of feedwater flow. VJe know that pressure relief valve to open anu thousands of gallons of.radioactive remain open. The emergency cooling water spilled into the containment system began pumping water into the reactor. An operator noticed building,. You can draw your ovm conclusions. the open relief valve and shut a block valve, hater filled the IT'S THANKSGIVING TIME FOR ME reactor to the top and flowed out 1979, through two safety valves. One of In March of this accident happened to me and my family (and you these did not seat properly at and yours). When I didn't know what first. Forty-three thousand gallons to do or who to seek for help or in­ of radioactive water was dumped on formation, I found a paper saying: the floor of the reactor. - Your A similar accident happened on "For Our Lives For Own Lives - Support Us! Join the Rally! Sunday, ’’arch 20, 1973, at the Rancho Seco April 8 - 2:00 p.m. State Capitol plant in California. The following Alert." is the description as taken from Steps. Three Mile Island :g'.C files: On March 20, 1973, rancho Well, my daughter and I went and Seco experienced a severe cool­ listened to the speeches. Even though down caused, by the loss of electrical I didn't know anyone there, I didn't feel alone. power to a substantial portion of It was the beginning of meeting the non-nuclear instrumentation. Two-thirds of the non-nuclear instru­ many new friends. ». ments were affected by the power loss. Well, I want to thank those people Erroneous signals provided faulty now - from those who staffed the office information to both the control to those who did petitions or stuffed envelopes or did research - everyone. room and the integrated (computer­ It has been a long time since the ized) control system. The integrated accident, and even though we have a control system cut off all main y longer way to go, I need to thank you feedwater flow in response, to faulty now. Thank you. m.s.o. • * "Though Reagan did not strongly HAZARDOUS V7ASTE RESOURCES advocate nuclear power as a governor, The newsletter "Exposure" is a since 1975 he has made it a crusade. free monthly publication of the En­ Two weeks after TMI, he said nuclear vironmental Action Foundation dealing power is 'the cleanest, most eco­ with pesticides, hazardous waste trans­ nomical electrical power we can have.' port and disposal, worker health and Reagan believes private industry safety, groundwater protection, and should be responsible for the storage public right-to-know. To get on the and disposal of nuclear waste. His list, write EAF, WATS Project, 724 campaign literature says the 'waste Dupont Circle Bldg., Washington, D.C. disposal problem has been overstated,' 20036. and he has told voters that 'all the waste from a nuclear power plant could be stored under a desk.' The Republican platform supports develop­ For a complete reprint of the ment of the breeder." PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER'S "Poison At Our Doorstep" series, the six-part expose on illegal dumping of hazard­ ous wastes, write the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19101. WOMEN AND ENERGY Consumer Action Now (CAN) has recently launched a national energy education program to heighten female The National Wildlife Federa­ clout in the national energy picture. tion, as part of the Waste Alert "Women are responsible for 80 percent project, has recently prepared a of all consumer purchases, and more series of excellent background papers women than ever are becoming heads assessing solid and hazardous waste of households, yet most women are management in each state. These are not aware of the overwhelming impact available from the National Wildlife that energy has on family budgets," Federation, 1412 16th St., N.W., Wash­ says Lola Redford, CAN president. ington, D.C. 20036. To increase their awareness, ************* CAN'S Energy Project for Women has set the following goals: to interest women in energy deci si on-making by EPA Region 3 and the Office of showing them how these decisions Solid Waste have established a grant have an economic impact on their program‘for Waste Alert activities. daily lives; to encourage women to Citizens groups working on hazardous assess energy needs and problems at waster issues are eligible for grants the local level; to provide them with up to $30,000. Pre applications are the tools to impact state and national due Dec. 10. For information: Bob energy policy; to encourage more wom­ Axelrod (WH-562), EPA Office of Solid en of all ages to pursue jobs and Waste, 401 M St., S.W. Washington, D.C. business opportunities in the energy 20460. field; to convince women that they should promote renewable energy production. FYI: REAGAN ON NUCLEAR POWER A report on the project is avail­ When Ronald Reagan takes office able by writing Consumer Action Now, in January 1981, he promises that Council on Environmental Alternatives, there will be some changes made. Inc., 355 Lexington Ave., New York, With respect to nuclear power, Ralph NY 10017. Nader stated the following in his The Humanist Citizen's Guide to the 1980 Election, • November/December 1980 "Selecting A President." 6 5

UPCOMING EVENTS

***The FIRST RATEPAYER'S CONGRESS ***A major national conference is will be held on December 13, 1980 scheduled for December 11-13, 1980 at 9:30 a.m. at the Harrisburg on solar energy and energy conser­ Friends Meetinghouse, 6th and Herr vation aimed at bringing together Sts., Harrisburg, PA. Discussion state and local officials, policy will focus on a regional rate strike analysts, and representatives of against Met-Ed, P.P.&L., etc. For citizens organizations and communi­ more information, call Bill Keisling ty groups to focus on specific ways at (717) 233-1144, or TMIA at (717) for state and local governments to 233-7897. The meeting should end support conservation and solar by 3:00 p.m. at the latest, so energy. The conference, to be held please bring a bag lunch. at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel in Austin, Texas, is sponsored by the ***The 21st Annual Christmas Peace Conference on Alternative State and Pilgrimage will take place Saturday, Local Policies under a grant from December 13, 1980, beginning at noon the Department of Energy. For from the parking lot under the Hill further information, contact Becky to Hill Bridge in Bethlehem, PA. Glass, Energy Project, Conference Participants will be transported to on Alternative State and Local Nazareth , PA , where the pilgrimage Policies, 2000 Florida Avenue, N.W. will begin at 1:00 p.m. For more Washington, D.C. 20009, Phone: (202) information, call Joseph C. Osborn 387-6030. at (215) 866-3127.

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7 ONLY..JC ’ ' Only one will sit on the cold stainless table (Wrinkling the neat disposable liner) STAFF FOR THIS ISSUE: Hearing through roaring ears Damp-palmed in disbelief as the doctor Sue Olmstead, Ed. pronounces doom. Al Mirando Mary Hartnett Only one will dread the stab of the needle John Murdoch Waiting to see if veins will collapse; Paula Prober Only one will crawl shaking and shattered Georgianna Nyce And heave out one's hopes in a torrent of groans. Terry Roth Doug West Only one will watch in despair as his hair Follows his energy, his appetite and dignity, Fleeing a body bereft of humanity, EDITORIAL BOARD: Cathy Musser, Bev So gaunt and grotesque that all turn away. Davis, Paul Makurath

Only one will finally expire in relief When drugs and crazed cells have done their work; Only one more hole will yawn in the earth Surrounded by mourners who sigh and move on.

"The procedure is totally safe you see. Oh, but of course it's remotely conceivable— There's just the merest tiny chance Of one more death -- but only one."

R.S. Albright II Deadline Next Issue: December 15 Marysville

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