ML19211A784
| ML19211A784 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/07/1979 |
| From: | Gossick L NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Clusen R ENERGY, DEPT. OF |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7912200666 | |
| Download: ML19211A784 (2) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES p,
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION np WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 S
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DEC 7 1979 The Honorable Ruth C. Clusen Assistant Secretary for Environment Department of Energy Washington, D.C.
20585
Dear Ms. Clusen:
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been reviewing the potential role of atmospheric modeling computer codes as a means of assessing the need for pro-tective actions offsite during nuclear emergencies. We have reached the stage where it seems advisable to consider a substantial pilot project using the Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC).
In recent weeks, we have been in contact with Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL) and Mr. L. Joe Deal of your office to familiarize ourselves with the technical details of ARAC.
LLL is also completing a two phase study for NRC investigating the feasibility of using ARAC at comercial facilities.
Since the TMI-2 incident, some States have become quite interested in computer assisted incident management:
New York, Illinois and California have formally expressed interest in ARAC. On our own part, NRC would like to have a working installation in our Bethesda Operations Center in order to develop familiarity with the ARAC system by hands-on experience.
Based on this activity, our Office of State Programs has proposed a phased, pilot installation of ARAC which would include equipment in two or three State emergency operations centers, replicate equipment at a reactor site in those States and an installation at the NRC Operations Center. This action would allow a greater understanding of the technological problems involved in the operation of ARAC in support of emergency activities around a nuclear power plant.
Because we are very interested in an early start on the pilot installation, I would appreciate your views with respect to such a pilot installation.
We have requested a limited budget allowance for ARAC in our FY 1980 Supplementary Appropriatin which can be obligated if a pilot installation is acceptable to DOE. We nJuld like to place priority on installations in New York and the NRC Opere; ions Center in Bethesda.
Installations at other locations could follow s N rtly in Illinois and California given availability of funds and DOE tect.nical support.
Mr. Robert G. Ryan, Director of the Office of State Programs (telephone 492-8171) will coordinate the pilot installation activity for NRC. We 1631 073 h
7912200
2 The Honorable Ruth C. Clusen would be happy to discuss this important matter further with you at your convenience.
Sincerely.
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y Lee V. Gossick Executive Director for Operations 1631 074