ML103490911
| ML103490911 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/23/2010 |
| From: | Weber M NRC/EDO |
| To: | Christopher Hunter State of SC, Dept of Health & Environmental Control |
| Orendi, M L, FSME/DMSSA, 301-415-3938 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML103490902 | List: |
| References | |
| FSME-2010-0337 | |
| Download: ML103490911 (3) | |
Text
December 23, 2010 C. Earl Hunter, Commissioner South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control 2600 Bull Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Commissioner Hunter:
I am writing to bring to your attention the need to ensure long-term programmatic stability for the South Carolina Agreement State Program (the Program), which includes the Bureau of Radiological Healths Radioactive Materials Program.
On September 11, 1969, former Governor Robert E. McNair entered the State of South Carolina into an Agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), pursuant to Section 274b. of the Atomic Energy Act. Under this Agreement, the State of South Carolina committed to establish a radiation control program that adequately protects the health and safety of South Carolinas citizens from the potential hazards associated with the use of radioactive materials.
Agreement States must provide supporting legislative authority, implement an organizational structure and procedures, and apply financial and human resources to effectively administer a radiation control program that ensures adequate protection.
Through our Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program, NRC maintains oversight of all Agreement States and our own materials programs. We conduct periodic reviews of Agreement States to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety and compatibility of state and NRC programs. During the 2007 review, we found South Carolinas Program adequate to protect public health and safety. During a 2009 periodic meeting, we discussed concerns with representatives of the South Carolina Program about the effect of a tightening budget on the Programs ability to be found adequate and compatible. Budget cuts, combined with increased regulatory responsibilities, including radioactive material source security, could adversely affect South Carolinas ability to continue to adequately protect public health and safety..
We understand that current fiscal constraints are especially challenging at all levels of government. The NRC remains committed to support Agreement State programs as we work together to protect the citizens of our Nation. We commend the State of South Carolina for its leadership in radiation protection over the years. It is our understanding that the Program has proposed a fee increase to 50 percent of the NRCs fees to ensure its obligations as an Agreement State Program. Adequate funding is a critical part of a balanced and stable Agreement State Program. Other Agreement State Programs have faced similar issues and have successfully arranged sufficient funding to maintain an adequate Agreement State Program.
Your support in helping to ensure that the South Carolina Agreement State Program has the necessary resources and support to manage an effective program is crucial. I want to assure you that the NRC supports the objectives of the South Carolina Agreement State Program, including the Bureau of Radiological Healths Radioactive Materials Program, and will continue to work closely with your Program to accomplish our mutual objectives of protecting the public.
We appreciate your commitment to this effort.
If the NRC can provide additional assistance or you have any questions, please contact me at (301) 415-1705, or have your staff contact Ms. Donna Janda, your NRC Regional State Agreements Officer, at (610) 337-5371.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Michael F. Weber Deputy Executive Director for Materials, Waste, Research, State, Tribal, and Compliance Programs Office of the Executive Director for Operations cc: Paul C. Aughtry, Chairman South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Board Aaron Gantt, Chief South Carolina Bureau of Radiological Health
ML103490902 (PKG) ML103490911 (MEMO) EDATS: FSME-2010-0337 OFFICE FSME/MSSA FSME/MSSA FSME/MSSA FSME/MSSA NAME MOrendi ADWhite TReis RJLewis DATE 12/20/10 12/20/10 12/20/10 12/21/10 OFFICE Tech Editor FSME DEDMRT NAME CPoland CLMiller MWeber DATE 12/22/10 12/22/10 12/23/10