ML19254F817
| ML19254F817 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/09/1979 |
| From: | Ryan R NRC OFFICE OF STATE PROGRAMS (OSP) |
| To: | Mallory G ARMY, DEPT. OF |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7911190104 | |
| Download: ML19254F817 (2) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES yI g
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 5
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9 1979 LTC Glynn C. Mallory Office of the Secretary of the Army Room 3 E 718 Pentagon Washington, D.C.
20301
Dear Colonel Mallory:
Suggestion # A-803-79 was sent by the Commander,!USAARRADCOM to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for review and evaluation. This suggestion was for"...theArmytoseekstandbyauthor{ityforwartimenuclearreactor safety, and that the Army set up and maintain teams (in each of different CONUS geographic areas) which are cognizant of the safety considerations at every existing reactor site." See the full text of the suggestion with its justification on the enclosed DA Form 1045, copyil.
As we understand the suggestion, it is perceived that as a result of a nuclear attack there may be damaged electric power reactors in an unstable condition, possibly uncontrolled, and that there will be insufficient trained people to correct the situation.
It is conceivable that reactors could be damaged to such a state; however, the operating utility, other nuclear operating utilities and the nuclear industry have demonstrated that they have the expertise available to meet such emergencies. There is no way that people can be trained to the necessary level of experience and maintain their expertise in a standby condition, as suggested.
Such expertise can only be retained by daily application within the nuclear reactor community.
The suggester did not indicate just what role the teams might play in dealing with a nuclear reactor that has war inflicted damage. The NRC has the function of regulating licensees who operate nuclear reactors, and providing for the safety and health of the public.
NRC requires that licensees have plans to deal with emergencies arising from their nuclear facilities, including arrangements with State and local governments and Federal agencies responsible for handling emergencies. Authority for NRC action in war or national emergency is contained in section 108 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The NRC could not relinquish any of its authority to the U.S. Army teams in wartime emergency since it has no authority to do so.
There is, however, an area of experience which the military services maintain as does the Department of Energy, the nuclear industry, and State governments which certainly is needed should we have a nuclear attack and that is qualified people who are knowledgeable in radiation, detection, mitigation, and decontamination.
It is likely that available Army teams would be requested to 7911190 / O 1H4 219
I LTC Glynn C. Mallory assist near damaged reactors in protecting the local population from the nuclear attack exposure and any potential radiation from the damaged reactor. You should be aware that D0D has a member on the Interagency Connittee for Radiological Assistance which oversees the Interagency Radiological Assistance Plan.
Colonel Charles R. Linton, Defense Nuclear Agency, phone 325-7032 is the D00 representative to that committee. The Department of Energy is the lead agency and Mr. L. Joe Deal, telephone 353-4093 is the contact there.
In event of war inflicted damage to nuclear reactors, the availability of trained Army teams to assist in monitoring, notifying, assisting in evacuation, providing transportation and communication, and many other emergency related activities would most likely be welcomed by all Federal, Stape, and local entities involved with emergency responsibilities. However, the ne6d for these same Army people to deal with the destruction and extensive fallout in the U.S. from enemy weapons may be far greater than any need for deajing with a damaged reactor. We also agree with the thought expressed by the Commander, U.S. Army Nuclear and Chemical Agency, that the nuclear reactor technology is complex and it would be difficult for the Anny to recruit, train, and retain people for the purpose suggested. Nevertheless, if the Army would like' to pursue the ideq further, we would be pleased to arrange for discussions with the appropriate NRC people.
Sincerely, Robert G. Ryan, Director Office of State Programs
Enclosure:
As stated 17'4 223