ML19253C767
| ML19253C767 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/05/1979 |
| From: | Kerr G NRC OFFICE OF STATE PROGRAMS (OSP) |
| To: | Daniel Mills KENTUCKY, COMMONWEALTH OF |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7912120091 | |
| Download: ML19253C767 (1) | |
Text
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NOV 5 1979 Ref: SA/KNS Doyle Mills Radiation Control Branch Kentucky Department for Human Resources 275 East Main Street Frankfort, K ntucky 40601 Dear Mr 1s:
This refers to your letter dated August 14, 1979 in which you requested information concerning the measurements to be made in order to determine the point in time radioactive waste material is held until it may be disposed of as regular trash.
The common policy stated by the University of Louisville of storing for decay radioactive waste until the radioactivity has decayed to a level of approximately twice that of natural background radiation as measured with an appropriate radiation instrument would not be considered acceptable from an NRC licensing viewpoint. Materials which contain radionuclides that are gamma or high energy beta emitters, shotild be held for decay until radiation levels as measured with the appropriate low level survey meter and with all shielding removed have reached background levels.
In answer to your question concerning radionuclides such as H-3 and C-14,.
which are low energy bata emitters and have a long physical half life, it is not practical to store this type of material for decay and it should be handled as radioactive waste.
For radionuclides such as I-125, which have a short physical half life, if possible, liquid scintillation counting is the preferred method for measuring low energy gamma and beta emitter radiation levels. After assaying the waste, if the material has reached background levels, it may be disposed as regular trash.
If the material can not be assayed to determine if the radiation levels are at background levels, it must then be treated as radioactive waste. The radioactive waste should be disposed with your 902 KAR 100:020 sections 15-19.
I hope this information is helpful.
1537 169
.Sincerely, G. Wayn Kerr, Assistant Director for State Agreements Program Office of State Programs 7912120 07/
- -.