ML19203A189

NRC-2019-000278 - Resp 1 - Final, Agency Records Subject to the Request Are Enclosed (43. A2533 279-313)

ML19203A189
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Issue date:	07/16/2019
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TONEY ANAYA GOVERNOR Joseph Goldb<:rg STATE OF NEW MEXICO SECRETARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT DIVISION Ted Guambana P.O. Box 968. Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-0968 DEPUTY SECRETARY (505) 984-0020 JOSEPH F. JOHNSON STEVEN ASHER, Director DE.PU.TY SECRETARY C'(\/.' l l"1----

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l"":. I May 15, 1984 Mr. Donald A. Nussbaumer Assistant Director of State Agreement Programs Office of State Programs U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Co,mnssion Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Mr. Nussbaumer:

This fs to inform you that Gulf Mineral Resources Company requested termination of their Radioactive Material License, NM-GUL-IX-00 with all amendments thereto, which relates to the operation of an Ion Exchange Facility as~_ciated with mine dewaterfng at the Mariano Lake project, McKinley County, New Mexico.

Results of decomnissfonfng, decontamination and restoration actions taken at the site have been reviewed and evaluated by~ .ID and Bureau of Land Management staff. The majority of the waste products, consisting of sludge material from the evaporation pond were disposed of by mixing with uranium ore

• and transported to the licensed Quivira (Kerr-McGee) mill for processing .

Attached fs the radiological monitoring protocol which was coordinated with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as the project was located on Native American Land and results of the final radiological surveys of the site. We solicit your tfmt:,y input and review for this project by June 15, 19~4 in order to proceed with termination of the license ff appro~f1ate. The entire case file is available for the NRC staff review during your next audit visit.

Sf ncerely,

• j I., <

Felix R. Miera, Jr.

Program Manager Uranium Licensing Section FRM/cvg enc.

9801130180 840515 PDR STPRO ESONN PDR

IN REPLY REFER TO l~ nited States Department of the Interior 3500 (017)

BUREAU OF LANO MANAGEMENT 3550 P*n American FrNw*v. N.E.

r-.o. Box 6770 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107 April 20, 1;18.4 .., -~~-.~,.....,r--"\

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Mr. Sam~al Simpson

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Project ~a=ager, Uranium Licensing Section RADIATION PR~~ECTION BUR£nu New Mexi:o Environmental Improvement Division P.O. Bo% 958 Santa F~, ~,ew Mexico 87504-0968

Dear Mr. S!mpson:

4 We have re~iewed your April 11, 198,, final report on the reclamation of the i~n exchange/lagoon area at Gulf's Mariano Lake Uranium Mine.

The repcrt accurately documents the procedures used to reclaim the area an, t~e post-reclamation radiation levels.

Radiaticn :evels are far below all current standards/guidelines.

Therefore, we would have no objection to the termination of Gulf's Mariano L~~e Radioactive Materials License.

Thank ycu =or keeping us informed of your work at the Mariano Lake Mine and for allowing us to review the final report. We have enjoyed working wi~h you on this project and look forward to future cooperative efforts.

Sincerely yours,

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(__.;.-'*John M. Andrews, Jr.

Environmental Scientist

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MARIANO LAKE SOIL SA~LE SOIL SAWLE COWOSITE. f 14 Jtadio:1u:llide !L

• U-Nat ()'Sig)

Ra-226 (pCi/g)

Th 230 Po 210 Pb 210 2.0 0.08,t0.02 5.0 2.0+1.o l.ll+0.5 2.3+0.4

-0.~l.O

1. Scientific Laboratory Division

2. EDA Instruments Ino

• Attachment 1

MARIAHO Llu:E SOIL SA!-2LES

/

SAWLE ORO.SS ALP HA NATURAL RA-226 CO!-?OSITE* (NAT URAN) URANIUM (Jlg/g) (pCi/g) 1 11+2 2.7 0. 26,:t(). 02 2 24+/-,3 7.4 0.37;t0.02 3 14+/-,2 3.0 0.22;t0.02 4 90!,10 28.3 1.Sl;t0.04

• • 5 6

56+7 S9+/-7 1&3.3 17.6 0.88+/-0.02 0.87,t0.02 1 14+/-2 ia.1 0.16;t<).02 8 11!,2 2.7 0.15+0.02

"'9 14:.2 11.0 0.11+0 .. 02 10 12+/-2 3.0 . -

0.11+0.02 11 12+2 2.7 *o.13,t0.02 10+2 1.7 0.11+0.02 12 13 10!,2 1.9 0. 20,:t(). 02 111 12+/-2 2.0 0.05,t0.02 8.8+/-12." .377+/-,416 Ca) Soils sieved through 2mm sereen prior 'to analyses.

STATE LlB RESULTS

Mr. John Andrews April 11, 1984 Page 5 surface, and (2) 15 pCi/g averaged over 15 cm thick layers of soil more than 15 cm below the surface.

b. The results achieved by the reclamation effort for..lla-226 levels in soil were well below the current EPA criterion and the EID guidance. Levels averaged 0.377 +.416 pCi/g with the highest measurements befng 1.51+0.4 pCi/g-;- which is still considerably under the 5 pCi/g EPA s'fandard. No general applicable standards are available for Unat. Averaged Unat Concentrations for Unat in in the reclaimed ION exchange site averaged 8.8 +12.4 ~g/g.

Conclusion The Gulf ION exchange facility with associated equipment and supporting lagoon network was deconwnissioned and reclaimed in that the remaining residual radiation contamination is low enough to permit release of the land for unrestricted access. Termination of Gulf's Mariano Lake Radio-active Material License will not adversely affect public health or safety.

Therefore, the EID anticipates termination of Gulf's Mariano Lake Radioactive Material License NM-GUL-IX-00 dated January 12, 1979 wfth all amendments thereto by May 31, 1984. It has been a distinct pleasure working with the BLM professional staff on this reclamation project and we look forward to cooperating on joint future endeavors involving uranium reclamation activites.

Sincerely,

• SS/cvg cc: Felix Miera, Program Manager, ULS Jere Millard, Program Manager, SAS Ted Brough, Milan

Mr. John Andrews April 11, 1984 Page 4 innediately to remove contaminated soil for appropriate disposal.

A resurvey of the spot on July 14, 1983 reflected essentially twice backgrou~d ganna readings of 25 µR/hr.

b. Surface measurements obtained for the entire licensed facility are listed in attachment 2.

c. The PIC measurements compared favorably with PRM-7 readings.

The comparision of the five measurements, taken at identical locations, reveals an average PRM-7 reading of 11.8 uR/hr vs.

average PIC measurements of 13.6 µR/hr. The PIC measurements averaged 14S higher than the average PRM-7 readings. Background ganna levels were previously determined to average 13-15 µr/hr.

The overall site gmrma readings (PRM-7) averaged 14.8 µR/hr.

Correcting PRM-7 measurements would result in an overall average of 16.9 µR/hr for the entire site.

d. The RGM-1 was operated continuously over a six hour period with 20 minute print-out readings. Radon values for this sNnpling period averaged .356 pCi/1. The 48-hour Tedlar bag samp1es taken on July 12-14, 1983 resulted in an estimated annual concentration level of .254 + .252 pCi/1 for Rn. Reference attachment 3.

Background levels were previously established at .55!_ .07 pCi/1.

e. Results for Ra-226 and Unat content of soil samples are listed in Attachment 1. Ra-226 levels averaged 0.377 +0.416 pCi/g and Unat levels average 8.8 +12.4 µg/g. Background Ra-226 soil levels had been previousTy established at 0.5+.2 pCi/g.

Su11111ary

• a. The Ra-226 content in composited surface and subsurface soil sainples, exposure rate surveys and radon in air measurements are well below the standards and the ALARA objectives outlined fn the Radiation Protection Bureau letters to Gulf Resources Corpora-tion, dated July 2, and November 23, 1982 (attachment 4).

Minimum cleanup standards were established at 70 uR/hr for ambient 91111111 measurements@ 1 m and 3 pCi/1 radon 9 5 feet.

Target level goals for gamma were established at 25 µR/hr and 10 pCi/g Ra-226 in the soil. Target levels were established to ensure compliance with the ALARA principle. Current standards recently promulgated by EPA for inactive and active uranium mill tailings sites specify that concentrations of Ra-226 in land averaged over any area of 100 square meters shall not exceed the background levels by 110re than:

(1) 5 pCi/g averaged over the ffrst 15 cm of sofl below the

Mr. John Andrews Aprfl 11, 1984 Page 3

b. Of rect Ganna Radf ation on* Sf te Genna measurements were taken at the 100' grid intersections over the entire site at 1 m above the surface. Additional measure-ments were taken at the midpoint of each 100 (ft2) block. These measureaents were taken wfth an Eberline Model PRM-7, portable micro "r" meter.

c. Soil Sampling Soil samples were collected at the 100' grfd pattern locales throughout the site and the soil samples were composited into fourteen groups. Rationale for the composftfng array was detennined from results of the ganma survey.

• d. Instrumentation (1) A micro-roentgen survey meter (Eberline PRM-7 lightweight portable NaICTl) scintillator), coupled to a photo multiplier tube was used to survey the site. Cross check of the micro-R meter readings was accomplished on the site using a pressurized ionization chamber ( PIC ), which is not so energy dependent.

(2) The PIC Reuter-Stokes Environmental Radiation monitor Model RSS-11 is an accurate and stable instrument for measurement of exposure rates. The PIC was positioned at five locations and measurements were compared with PRM-7 measurements.

(3) An RGM-1, Continuous Radon Sampler, was positioned in the center of the project site and operated over a six hour perfod using a portable electric generator as a power source .

• Result~

a. Analysis of measurements obtained with the PRM-7 indicate one hot spot. 240 ~R/hr, which was localized in the northeast quadrant of the property. This turned out to be a relatively small

• lated area, approximately one square mete,, of contaminated so These elevated levels were readily detectable in this art Jnd appropriately marked. Since the survey was conducted jointly with Gulf sfte personnel, corrective action was implemented

I Mr. John Andrews April 11, 1984 Page 2 consistency in the radiological clean-up effort. During all phases of the reclamation program the two agencies continued to work closely to assure successful completion of the project.

Ion Exchange Facility:

The plant was decontaminated, dismantled and sold. EID personnel surveyed the ION exchange and holding tanks, piping network, plant building and equipment to verify that decontamination measures met the unrestricted usage criterion. The facility and associated equipment were decontaminat-ed to acceptable levels for unrestricted use.

Lagoons:

• The mine water holding lagoons were drained and the radioactive sludge material removed and mixed with uranium ore located at the site. The ore was then transported to a licensed uranium mill for processing. The synthetic lagoon liners were taken to the main mine yard fonner ore storage pad area for subsequent burial with mine overburden material.

Vegetation; The land was contoured to essentially its original condition and reseeded with plant species native to the region. Revegetation efforts appear quite successful.

Protocol for Radiological Surveys

a. The protocol employed by the Radiation Protection Bureau for surface ganwna measurements, and surface and subsurface soil sampling techniques, was to divide the licensed area into

• sections of 100 square feet (ft2). The sfte was staked and marked with nylon cord. External ganna measurements were taken at 1 meter above the ground surface at each wooden stake and measurements were also taken in the center of each 100 (ft2) section. The grid pattern was referenced to the so~theast enclosure fenceline boundary of the ION exchange area to facflftate reestablishment of the grid pattern in the event this action was required at a later date.

Surface soil samples (10cm width x 5 cm depth, s111ple size of 1 kg) were collected at each grid point inter-section throughout the ION exchange complex with surface and subsurface (15 cm depth 1kg sample size) soil sa*ples collected and composited at five other locales. One safflpling site was the location of the former ION exchange building. All soil samples were sent to the State Laboratory for radiochemical anr.lysis of Ra-226, and Unat. As a quality assurance measure, a random selected split sample was subllitted to an independent laboratory for analysis.

TONEY ANAYA

. GOVERNOR ROBERT McNEIU SECRETARY ROBERT L. LOVATO, MAPA DEPUTY SECRETARY JOSEPH F. JOHNSON DEPUTY SECRET ARY Apr 11 11 , 1984 Mr. John Andrews U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management 3550 Pan American Freeway Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107

Dear Mr. Andrews:

The fUrpose of this letter fs to provide the BLM with a final progress report on Gulfs reclamation project at Mariano Lake as pertains to the EID radioactive material licensed ION exchange facility and the associated three lagoons with interconnected roadway. This letter reflects the subject content of our conversations during the meeting in your office on April 3, 19A4 at which time this project was discussed in depth with Mr. Dale Jones and yourself.

OBJECTIVE OF RECLAMATION:

The objective of the remedial action project at the Gulf Mariano Lake licensed ION Exchange Facility with associated mine water treatment lagoons was to:

(1) decontaminate and dismantle the ION exchange plant for resale;

• (2) drain the three lagoons and remove radioactive sludge; (3) recontour the land to its original condition; and, (4) revegetate the site with an appropriate grass seed mixture native to this region.

The underground mine, mine yard, ore storage pad, associated equipment and buildf~gs, and ION exchange complex were considered one integral area that necessitated close cooperation and coordination between the Environmental Improvement Division and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) during every phase of the reclamation project. The BLM exercised overall jurisdiction and provided the technical expertise to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as the project was located on Indian Allotted Lands.

BLM managed the reclamation project in the areas of underground mine closure, above ground mine yard and ore storage pad restoration, associated mine compl<!X buildings and equipment decontamination and dismantling, surface land decon-tamination and contouring, and revegetation for the main mining yard complex.

The EID's jurisdiction was related to the adjacent ION exchange plant and associated lagoons. Early in the project the EID and BLM agreed to provide Gulf Oil Corporation wfth similar radiological clean-up standards to insure EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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DATE: Au:;u~t 1, 1983 "TO: Sam Simpson, Radiation Licensing, Santa Fe; fROM: T.* G. Brough. Radiation Licensing, Milan

SUBJECT:

RADON CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENTS: GULF MARIANO LAKE SITE Results at Mariano Lake (Gulf IX - Project) 48-hr. Tedlar Samples: Pci/1

• • E ponds 7/12 - 7/14/83 0.31 !. .063 0.027 + .062 Wponds 7/12 *- 7/14/83 -

• • Simultaneous measure (control) (412)

E Grants 7/11 - 7/13/83 o. 37 :!:. .071 E. ponds 7/25 - 7/27/83 0.0605  :!:. .0708 W. ponds 7/25 - 7/27/83 0.1049  :!:. .0576 Simultaneous measure (control) (412)

E Grants 7/24 - 7/26/83 0.1221 + .0643 Average of 4 measures: 0.126 .:!:. 0.125 pci/1 Aver~ge of 2 controls: 0.246 .:!:. 0.173 pc1/1

• Average of control over two years (1978 - 1980):

Probable annual average at Mariano Lake:

~~~~ X 0.126

• 0.254 !_ 0.252 p.496 pc1/1 Estimated Annual Concentration: 0.254  :!:. 0.252 pci/1 Range: 0.0544 to 0.625 pci/1 Attachment 3 **

' " Oruce J\ing

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STATE OFNEv/i.'lE,'LJCO

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. , *-==-=======: .:.:-==========i=i Ge-o,ge 5. Gold~1ein. Ph.1 SEffiETAAY

,..... :?: . *- - i* ; ::a EtJVIP.ONMENTAL IMPF:OVEMEtJT DIVISION DlSTllCT 1 - P.O. Box 2536 El,VIP.ONT,iENT ~ ~ila~. NM 87021 Tel. 0287-8845 c [ rI, a OIPl':'"lt~

RUSSELL F. RHOADES, Director MEMORANDUM TO: Jerry Stewart. Radiation Protection Bureau Theodore G. Brough, Environmental Scientist III, Milan DATE: October 12, 1982

SUBJECT:

?..ADON SA."!PLING AT GULF'S MAR~O LAKE IX FACILITY ladon sa:tples were taken at two sites (on the SE and SW Corners of

• the facility) in order to try to determine background radon in the area. The results are as follows:

August 25-27, 1982 (48 hr. bag samples):

S'J corner

• 0.152 pci/1

~ corner

• 0.190 pci/1 Simultaneous sample in Milan

• 0.112 pci/1 Since annual average in Milan is: 0.358 pci/1 (average of 2 yrs.),

the most probable annual average for the two stations at Mariano Lake is 3.2 tices the observed average, or:

• Mariano SW Mariano SE for an average of:

Background

• 0.49 pci/1 0.61 pci/1 0.55 .+/- .07 pci/1.

jq xc: Sam S!mpson, Santa le Jere Millard, Santa Fe rAttaa -------

_. .~/t. r_,__ Druce Y.ing GOVERNOR

-:::mr.aa.u mmzitif-* e c: :t STATE OF NEW MEYjCO Georoe S. Golc}tein. Ph.D *

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• S£ffiE1AAY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT DIVISION P.O. Box 968, Santa Fe. New Mexico 87S0~*096B (SOS) 827*5271 Lorry J. Gordon. M.S.. M.P.H.

DEPUTY SECRElARY RUSSELL F. RHOADES, M.?.H., DIRECTOR RADIATION PROTECTION BUREAU July 2, 1982 Mr. John Thompson Gulf Mineral Resources Co.

• Box 939 Thoreau, NM 87323

Dear Mr. Thompson:

Re: Gulf Reclamation Plan for the Mariano Lake Mine dated April 29, 1982 and Radioactive Material License Number NM-GUL-JX-00 dated January 12, 1979.

l. This letter acknowledges receipt of reference plan which specifies proposed reclamation activities for the IX plant, lagoons and .

associated roadway system. EID considers it's jurisdiction under the above captioned license, over cleanup activities at the Gulf.

Mariano Lake Site, concems only the Radioactive Material Licensed Activities. i.e., IX unit and adjacent Barium Chloride treatment equipment and facility, lagoons (three ponds) and associated road-B. ways and fenced land within the IX/lagoon complex.

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2. State of New Mexico policy relating to radiation protection is

• that radiation exposure should be minimized to the extent feasible, as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). This concept is stated in 4-1008 of the New Mexico Radiation Protection Regulations (NMRPR).

Our use of specified target levels and maximum levels are in con-sonance*with this policy and the regulations. The use of these levels also takes into consideration the confidence levels in instrumentation, ana-lysis techniques, and hurnal') capabilities.

Striving to meet the target levels without exceeding the max-imum levels will lower public risk, demonstrate compliance for license tennination, and should be beneficial to your corporation.

Since all situations cannot be rigidly covered by the regulations, provisions are contained in 4-1508 to request alternative stan-dar.ds based on specific justification. Our Division will approve the proposed limits pursuant to 4-150B if the applicant (licensee) demonstrates to the satisfaction of EID that the proposed limits are not likely to cause any individual to receive a dose to the whole body in any period of one calendar year in excess of 0.5 rem Attachment 4

(500 rr.rer;; - above background).

3. The cleanup standards for the Gulf Lake Mariano project under our juri sdi ct ion are as fol 1ow~:

a. A target 1evel for externa 1 gamma radiation is es tab 1i shed at 25 microroentgens/hr (includes background) which is relited to approximately 10 pCi/gram of Ra-226 in the soil, which we believe can be achieved in most cases with your suggested program of scraping, clean-up and cover. Ganma rediation in air, one meter above the ground shall not exceed 57 .microroentgens per hour pl us background. The 57 microroentgens/hr (above background) is required to meet the 500 mrem annual radiation limitation which it stipulated in Part 4-150, including footnote 9 of . the NMRPR. The experience of EID and other agencies shows a

• definite relationship between radium in the soil. radon and gross ganrna radiation levels from specific radio-active areas. By providing interrelated standards it will allow your company flexibility in measuring the results of your reclamation program.

b. The measured Rn-222 (Radon) air concentration at the five foot level shall not exceed an average of 3 pCi/1, above b!ckground, reference Part 4 NMRPR.

r. Average annual indoor radon decay product concentration.

excluding background, shall not exceed 1/30 Working Level

(~L) in any building that is left on site after reclamation.

Our understanding is that the two buildings at the IX complex, are to be dismantled and moved to your Mt. Taylor project.

• d.

To reemphasize, this criterion only pertains to the ix and adjacent Barium Chloride treatment building under our juris-diction, and only if left on site. reference Part 4 NMR~R.

To preclude proliferation of radioactive waste disposal sites. radioactive radium/uranium bearing sludge products removed from the lagoon bottoms must be fed into an approved

.uranium mill circuit or deposited at an approved uranium tailings impoundment faciljty. This policy is defined in Part 3-JOON. NMRPR.

e. The IX equipment. i.e., tanks, electrical pumps, piping network starting at the entry point into the fenced IX/

lagoon complex and all other equipment and facilities used 1n thfs area. if sold to the public or left for land owners use. must be decontaminated to acceptable levels as reflected

• in Enclosure 1.

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f. The application of alternative standarcs and the disposition of additional hot spots which ~ay~exceed the standards after extensive efforts to 1ower the levels "'; 11 be determined on a case by case basis pursuant to 4-1508.

4. A termination report shall be provided to EID documenting the reclamation action with results of radiological surveys and monitoring compared to the above standards. A land survey plot showing contours should be included along wjth photo's of the reclaimed site. The Division will evaluate the termination report, conduct a site inspection and take samples for verification and confirmation prior to releasing the site and terminating the license.

• If you require additional information, please confact the Radiation Protection Bureau. Termination of Gulf's operation will necessitate coordination with the EID Water Pollution Control Bureau as relates to Groundwater Discharge Permit DP-44.

SNS/mp Enclosure xc: Maxine Goad - EID Gtoundwater Section Mr. Mooney - V.P. Gulf Mineral Resources Co

• Ray Madson/Ted Brough - EID Milan '

• ll\lJl ( I ACC(l*l,lm.r. Sllllf AC( CUIIINIIIIAI JOU L[V(lS

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llllCl I u::s a AY(IU\(,[h C I° 1-11\X U.illHh d f HU KJV .\Ill I h r.

U-n,1t, U-l]!;, IJ-2Ju, and 5,000 dpm u/1 OU c,n 2 15,0lJU t111n1 re/100 cm 2

t,nuo c1 1*m ,,111,u lltl

'l ilSSOCidlCd dCCily 11rc..ducts 2 . 2.

Tr-1nsur.H1 i Cs. Ril -226 R<<1-22iiI I I OU d1m1/l UU CIII JOU dpt:1/ I UU cm 2U ,1,~m/lUO cu/

lh-2JU, lh-~2u, PJ-231.

Ac-227, 1-125, 1-12~

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lh-n~ l. lh-2)2, Sr-!JU", 1 , CJOlJ dft1i1/l OU t:'il 1 J,OUIJ dpm/100* cn.2 ~00 dpn/hJU cn.2 RJ-22l. Ra-22~. U-232, 1-126, 1-lJI, 1-IJJ U~td-gJand emitters (nuclidcs S. 000 dpm n*dl oo c,112 15,000 *'I'"' 11,/J 00 can 2 1.ouo dpm r.*,11*,u (nl

~ith dcc~y modes other than

• I a 11,h,1 c,:ai ss ion or s11u11tc>ncous (ission) C>.CCfil SH-!iO antl others nolC!tJ ilbove.

1 Uh~1*c surf,1cc cont.1ri1l1111*tlon by both ,1l1>h,1- and bclil-9,11nm,1-cn1ltlln9 mrclldcs exlsls, lhc limits csl,1hlishc1I fo,- ,1Jph 11111 hcl.i-9t.1m111iJ*tmilllng nuclldl?s should a1111ly ind,?fH:ndmatly.

1 As used in lids table, t111111 (disinle!Jratlons per minute) me:ans lhc rt1lc of c111lsslon -by raditrncllvc ,n,1Lc.-l,1I ,is dc-

.c.*mined hy correcting lhc- counls per htlnutc observed hy an a11111*011rla1LC? dclccto,* for l,,1cl;g1*ounc1. cff1cie:m:y, iuul !J~O 11:lric f,1clot"s c1ssociatcd ,,ilh lhc tnslrun1cnldlion.

i-1..?,,.,u*c:nt::nls of average conl,1mln,1nl should nol be avc1*J9<?d ovr.r morr Lh,111 1,$QUilrc mt!lcr. For ohjccls or less s11.-f,1

.-c,1, Un? .ivcragi': should l>.: d\?riv<<!d for CJd1 such oltjecl.

lhc in~uimurn cor,tJ111int1lton level <<1111,ltes lo an ,u*cM or not more than IUO c11.2.

=,closure 1.

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I! I he t1111n1111t of r~1111vab 1e r*dioacll ve m.i terl a I pe,* I00 cw.Z or su,*race a1-eJ shou Id be de Le1111i ned by "ii' I 11~ 11,., 1 .,..,,,

11i lh d,*y rn t~r or sort absorbent ,,.,11cr. a1,11lyl119 modl!a*atc 11rc~s11r1.?. ,1ml ass~ssln!J lhc d1nrm11L uf rdflitMc.t ivt~ 111.,1.~, ;,,1 un the 1-llJI~ uilh an ilf'f>ro1,rlc1tc lnslrun1enl or l.nr;wn c,f(lcfcncy. 1-!hcn rcmov,1ltlc cunlt1N1i11,1liun on uhj,*,;1~ ul l1*'d, ~.11,*f t1re,1 is dt!lcnnined, lhl! pertinent levels should he r*cc1uc1?tl a,rop*>1*lion,1l ly .-.nd Lhc cnli,*c surr.u:c should 11&* uip,*cl *.

f n,e *v1:ra9c dud *1 id111;a rad I at 1011 I eve ls as soc Ia tl!d HIth s1,rf,1cc cn11taml 11,1 ti on rcs1i I ting rr,.. 1,., 1,1-9o1no,;1.1 .,,.; u ~**~

should nol cxct:~d U.2 111,*11d/hr ell I. can ,>rul 1.0 1nr.1d/hr al I t:m, rcsl'c~c:liv,!ly. an~ilsurcd t11,*uu!1h nut 11101*.: &lt.111 / 111illi-gr,1us 1*1:r sr111iH*c r.cm l imc lcr of lo la I absorhc.-

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT DIVISION GOVERl~OR George S. Goldstein, Ph.D.

5ECR.'1AAY

• *-* *- J P.O. Box 968, Sant.a Fe. New Mexico 87S0,,0968 Larry J. Gordon, M.S ** M.P.H.

NVlRONMENT <SOS> 827-5271 t ,. , 1* OtOll'l-nl DEP'JlY SECRETARY RUSSELL F. RHOADES, M.P.H., DIRECTOR RADIATION PROTECTIQN BUREAU November 23 ** 1982 Mr. John Thompson Gulf Minerals iiesources Company P.O. Box 1150

.ants, NM 87020 Re: EID letter of July 2, 1982, Paragraph 3d; Minerals Management Service (MMS) Dale C. Jones 1etter of Seftember 17, 1982. stipulation 5 and 7; MMS letter to BIA dated October 8, 1982 and BIA response dated Nove:iber 3. 1982 to MMS.

Dear Mr. Thompson:

1* The EID h?s no objection to the U.S. Department of Interior, Mineral Manage-ment Service (MMS) approach, expressed in stipulation (5) of HMS September 17, *982 letter. The concept of having all remaining lagoon sedi-ments and 1iners buried in main mine yard and covered with two feet of non-hazardous material is acceptable to EID as pertains to clean-up standards outlined in Paragraph 3d of our above referenced 1etter pertaining to .Gulf's Rrd1oact1ve Material License NM-GUL-IX-00, Mariano Lake .Project. This approval re1*ies on assurances contained in the BIA November 3, 1982 letter.

reference~ 2bove,. which states in part, "we are al so aware of the potential hazards of using the main n.ine yard site as anything other than fQr 1ive-stock grazing. Every effort will be made to infonn the current and future 1andowners of the restricted use of the site".

2. (a) Ra-226 background soil levels are established at 0.5 +/- 0.2 pCi/g (dry),

averaged river the ~top 5 cm of soil. Radon-222 background *1 evel s have been detennine! by EID *sampling to be an average of .55 +/- .07 pCi/1. For your infonnatian. radiochemical analysis for Ra-226 in the soil composite sample taken fro: the west la goon sediment . was 1. 5 t 0.5 pCi/g . (dry). *

(b) Numero~s background ganma -readings taken at or in close proximity of tile site justify the establishment of l Spr/hr. (Microroentgens per hour) as a nominal or average background* level readings for the Mariano Lake IX plant site area. Therefore, an acceptable maximum 1 evel for clean-up standards as relates tc ;ei.lila is 72}.lr/hr. Target levels of 25}.lr/hr. we believe can be achieved fa t1Jst cases. We have no objection to the 70µr/hr. specified in stipulaticn 7 of the above referenced l-'J'1S letter of September 17, 1982.

f*~r. John 1h:>m;:>son

~ovember 23, 1982

?age 2

/

3. Recommend that Gulf take prior ganvna readings of all top soil that might be transported to the lX/lagoon facility for cover material. This action would preclude the acquisiti.on and transportion of soils close to out-croppings that could already contain radioactivity with ganma levels of

• 100-1 SOi,r/ hr.

4. *-Gulf's Radioactive Material License NM-GUL-IX-00 expires on January 31, 1983.

If final reclamation activities canno! be completed at Mariano Lake by this date Gulf must submit at 1east 30 days prior to expiration date a request to

... .. . ' ElD for an extension of the above cited license

• S. If you requirL additional infonnation. please contact the Radiation Protection Bureau. Termination of the Gulf's operation at Mariano Lake will necessitate

.* coordination with the EID Water Pollution Control Bureau as relates to Ground-water Di sc ha rge Penni t DP-44 *

• Sincerely.

SS/mc attachments: (1 ) EID 1etter of July 2, 1982

()2 Mineral Management Services letters of September 17 a~d October 18. 1982 .

(3) BIA. Acting Assistant Area Director, Navajo. letter

• November 3, 1982 cc: Maxine Goad - EID Groundwater Section Mr. F.S. Mooney .. Y.P. Gulf Mineral Resources Co.

Ray Madson/Ted Brough - EID Milan .

John Andrews . - U.S. Mineral Management . Services

RESERVATIONS OF AUTHORITY Provisions of UMTRCA that require NRC involvement in States uranium mill regulatory program and coordination with States are identified below.

1. The Connission shall require by rule, regulation, or order that prior to termination of any license issued after the effective dates of the Act, title to land, other than land owned by the U.S. or a State be transferred to the U.S. or State at the option of the State.

11r2. The Connission has a*uthority to det~rmine that tit.le does not have to be transferred to U.S. or State. However, such property shall be main-tained under a license issued by the Commission .

3/6. If the land fs to be transferred to a State, the co.. ission determines compliance with provisions of UMTRCA and then State accepts title and custody.

4. In cases where a license is in effect on the effective date of the

• Act, the Connission *ay require before termination of the license transfer of the land to the U.S. or State, at the option of the State.

However, the Commission shall consider the status of ownership and the ability of the licensee to transfer title .

• 5. The Commission may by license, rule, or order require the Federal Agency or State having custody to undertake monitoring, maintenance, and emergency measures necessary.

-6/3/8. Prior to termination of any license the Commission shall determine whether or not the licensee has complied with all standards and requirements under the license.

-1. If a State imposes upon a licensee any requirement for the payment of funds to the State for reclamation/or long-term maintenance and monitor-ing, and if transfer to the U.S. of such material is required, such agreement shall be amended by the Commission to provide that the total amount of funds collected by the State shall be transferred to the U.S.

upon termination of the license. If such payments are required they must be sufficient to ensure compliance with Commission standards.,

8/3/6. The Commission shall retain authority to make a determination that all standards and requirements have been met prior to termination of a license for byproduct materials.

1

PROVISIONS OF UMTRCA THAT REQUIRE NRC INVOLVEMENT IN AGREEMENT STATES URANIUM MILL REGULATORY PROGRAMS ANO COORDINATION WITH STATES STANDARD CASES A & B A. Prior to termination of any license the Commission shall determine whether or not the licensee has complied with all standards and requirements for closure, bonding etc. under the license.

1. Have procedures been established between the NRC and the State to accomplish this?

2. Suggested method or protocol: *

• a.

b.

c.

License sends notice of termination of license to State .

State sends copy of termination request to NRC.

NRC &State jointly perform an, "on site" inspection.

d. Based upon findings from onsite inspection and NRC review of term1nation request, NRC determines compliance with license conditionsand requirements of UMTRCA and notifies State of its findings .

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B. The Commission has author;ty to determine that title does not have to be transferred to U.S. or State. However, such property shall be maintained under a license issued by the Commission.

1. How does the NRC do this? letter, rule,* regulation, other.

2. When is this completed? up front as in Rhode Ranch Project?

3. What are the procedures between the State and the NRC?

4. Suggested method or protocol:

a. Licensee sends request for exemption to State.

b. State sends request to NRC.

c. NRC evaluates request and makes determination and, if required, provides additional license conditions for closure to State to inccrporate in State license.

d. At a later date a request for license termination is sent by licensee to State.

e. ..

State sends. request

. for termination to NRC for review and approval under procedures described in A.

f. License is terminated and NRC issues a license (Specific or General) .

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SPECIAL CASES C, D, ANOE C. If the land is to be transfered to a State, the Commission determines compliance with provisions of UMTRCA and then State accepts title and custody.

1. Have procedures been established between the NRC and the State to accomplish this?

2. Suggested method or protocol:

a. Licensee sends application to terminate and title transfer to State.

b. STATE DECIDES WHETHER TO ACCEPT TITLE OR TRANSFER TO FEDERAL GOVT .

• c.

d.

State sends application to terminate to NRC to determine compliance with provision of UMTRCA, see item A protocol.

NRC notifies State of determination regarding closure, see item A protocol ..

e. When all applicable provisions of UMTRCA are satisfied, State accepts title and custody .

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D. T~e Commission may by license (General or Specific) rule.or order require the Federal or State having custody to undertake monitoring, maintenance and emergency measures necessary.

1. Have procedures been established which will determine that these undertakings should start? Are the technical requirements of Appendix A, Part 40 applicable for this purpose.

2. Suggested method or protocol:

a. Regional SPO notifies NRC IE Region IV or V.

b. NRC makesdetenwination.

c. State notified of determination .

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'I E. If a State imposes upon a licensee a~y requirement for the payment of funds to the State for reclamation/or long-term maintenance and 110nitoring, and if transfer to the U.S. of such material is required, such agree.. nt shall be amended by the Commission to provide that.the total 111c,unt of funds collected by the State shal 1 be transferred to the U.S. upon termination of the license. If such pa¥ments are required they must be*sufficient to insure compliance with Comm ssion standards.

1. Key word_"uended" and last sentence imply a NRC review process.

2. Have the States been provided guidance on how to proceed and does the NRC have procedures for implementing this requirement?

3. When would such a*procedure be initiated? *

4. Suggested method or protocol:

• a.

b.

Licensee notifies State of intent to terminate and transfer title to land.

State informs NRC of intent to transfer title to U.S. and sends copy of termination request to NRC.

c. NRC determines if sureties are sufficient.

d. If funds are sufficient State is notified and transfer of funds to DOE completed.

e. If funds not sufficient, title and funds not accepted by DOE .

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