ML19256A363
| ML19256A363 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/12/1978 |
| From: | Rothfleisch J NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Scarano R NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| References | |
| REF-PROJ-M-6 NUDOCS 7901050083 | |
| Download: ML19256A363 (4) | |
Text
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o WASHINGTON, 0. C. 20555
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DEC 121973 MEMORAtlDUM FOR:
Ross A. Scarano, Section Leader Uranium Mill Licensir.g Section FROM:
J. E. Rothfleisch Fuel Processing & Fabrication Branch
SUBJECT:
RECORD OF MEETIflG RE: COTTER CORPORATI0ft, CAftY0ft CITY, CO. URAtlIUM MILL Purcose To discuss the major substantive issues regarding the potential environmental impacts of the new Cotter Corporation uranium mill at Canon City, Colorado.
Place & Date Colorado Department of Health offices, Denver, Colorado; October 23, 1978.
Attendees State of Colorado A. J. Hazle, Director, C0 Dept. of Health (CDH), Radiation and Hazardous Wastes Control Division (R&HWCD).
J. L. Montgomery, CDH, R&HWCD.
R. Gamewell, CDH, R&HWCD.
D. McDaniel, CDH, R&HWCD R. Shukle, CCH, Water Quality Control Division A. Pearson, C0 State Engineers, Dam Safety Branch D. Shelton, C0 Geological Survey H. Forbes, C0 Attorney General's Office Cotter Corporation D. P. Marcott, Executive Vice-President E. McGrath, legal Staff E. Benton, legal Staff G. Rifakes M. Fixman R. Maixner 7901 o n o c 83 N
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2 Cotter Corporation Consultants J. C. Pierce, Mountain States Engineers J. Wilson, Nalco Environmental Sciences L. G. Huebner, Nalco Environmental Sciences R. Lubina, W. A. Wahler and Assoc.
U. S. NRC and Consultants R. A. Scarano, FCPF J. E. Rothfleisch, FCPF J. D. Nelson, Colorado State University T. A. Shepherd, Colorado State University Discussion Cotter Corporation reported the completion and availability for review of their study, " Investigations Related to the Migration of Raffinates from the Existing Cotter Tailings Impoundments."
NRC presented the results af the radiological assessment for the facility but pointed out that the lack of a full ycar of meteorological data prevented adequate assessment of boundary line and off-site dose estimates. Cotter indicated that the prevailing wind at the site is from west to east rather than toward the northwest as used in the radiological assessment. Cotter plans to construct a new meteorological station at the site but reported that long term nearby data may be available. Cotter committed to have their consultants review and comment on the NRC radiological assessment. NRC committed to provide a detailed description of the required format for data to be used in the now frozen UDAD computer program for radiological dose assessments. Data required will include reliable wind informa-tion, land use, demography and source terms.
NRC consultants presented the results of the tailings management assessment covering all items in the written assessment and pointing out that the subject of subsidence had not been adequately researched.
It was further pointed out that two major issues involved in the tailings management plan included the thickness of the clay liner to be installed belcw the Hypolon liner (NRC and State call for three feet of comnacted clay; Cotter maintains 18-inches is adequate) and the provision of means for dewatering the tailings. NRC and State believe added conservatism is necessary due to past experience on the site and proximity to Canon City. After detailed discussion of
3 tailings dewatering during which the Plateau Resources plan was described, Cotter connitted to take a hard look at the dewatering concept, taking into account potential problems such as evapora-tive properties of the tailings liquids and to resubmit a modified proposal.
In response to a Cotter question whether installation of a three-foot thick clay liner under the Hypolon liner would remove the need for dewatering the tailings, Cotter was informed that dewatering was considered to be more important.
The State indicated that consideration would be given to a dewatering plan calling for accumulation of the tailings liquid during the life of the mill then dewatering after operations cease.
A third major issue discussed involved the cover to be placed on top of the dewatered tailings as part of the reclamation process.
It was pointed out that acceptable covers were listed on page 10 of the Radiological Impact Assessment but that the use of two feet of clay plus about 8+ feet of soil would be preferable to a thicker clay cover with less soil cover.
In response to a question concerning public hearings, the State indicated that the hearing on solid waste disposal could be combined with that on disposal of radioactive wastes thereby requiring only a single he' ring.
The State Engineers Office represetnative reported that the Stage 1 dam construction plans had been anproved as had the filter criteria.
It was also concluded that the shales in Poison Canyon are not con-tinuous and should present no problem.
Summa ry:
1.
With respect to the radiological impact assessment, NRC committed to providing detailed guidance on the UDAD computer code data required while Cotter committed to provide the necessary data as soon as possible after which NRC would re-run and report dose estimates.
2.
Discussion of the tailings management plan pointed out three major issues:
(a) Thickness of clay liner under the Hypalon liner;
~.
4 (b) Dewatering of tailings.
(c) Composition and thickness of ccver to be placed on top of tailings following cessation of operations.
Cotter coninitted to study these issues further and present a compromise proposal at an early date.
t pts
. E. Rothfleisch Fuel Processing & Fabrication Branch Division of Fuel Cycle and Material Safety
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