ML19207B002

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Notifies That Nuclear Engineering Co Is Closing Sheffield, Il Commercial Low Level Radwaste Disposal Site & Terminating Lease.Doe Should Be Prepared to Take Immediate, short-term Contingency Action for Acceptance of Radwaste
ML19207B002
Person / Time
Issue date: 04/05/1979
From: Martin J
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
To: Meyers S
ENERGY, DEPT. OF
Shared Package
ML19207A992 List:
References
SECY-78-256, NUDOCS 7908230180
Download: ML19207B002 (1)


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APR3 IM rir. Sneldon :leyers Oircctor Office of i:uclear ',!aste Canagcmcut U.S. Department of Energy Uasnington, J.C.

2C545 Dear Mr. ficyers.

On ilarch S,1979, the riuclear Engineering Ccapany, Inc. (UECC) notified us they were purportedly closing the Sneffield, Illinois comercial icw-level radicactive waste (LLU) disposal site and was seeking to witndraw their application for reneual of their nuclear Regulatory 4

Comnission (i4P.C) license and expansion of the site. iiECO also notified Illinois State officials that they were seeking to terminate their lease with the State for use of the larid. While we do not agree that.;ECC can unilaterally terminate their license, the company's intent is clear--

stop all waste management activities in Illinois and abandon the Shef-field site. We are not certain how events concerning Sheffield may impact HECO's plans for continued operation of their other two sites at Caatty, i.evada and Richland, Wasnington.

We are aware the State of Illinois is seeking substantial da: cages from nECO in a related suit involving the Sheffield site wnic'1 may jeoparcize their financial abili;y to remain in business.

In view of these facts, we believe the Jepartment of Energy should ce prepared to take icmediata, shcrt-term contingency action for interim u-acceptance of ccmmercial LL'el in the evcat of closure of t.ie Beatty and Richland sites arid in the event such action is needed.

o advance notice was provided to the State of Illinois or Hi1C that by a prescribati date, UECO vrould leave the site.

In view of this, you might have only a day to respond to closure of tha two western sites one of,thich is the only site accepting TR'J v;astes.

Your icnger ter;a actions to develop a detailed contingency plan for ccanercial wastes should be continued.

Sincerely, Oridmt cigud W EP.n 3. NM 1

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i3 John C. i!artin, Circctor Division of ',laste ::anacrant t'

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