ML19276F285
| ML19276F285 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/07/1979 |
| From: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | James Anderson HOUSE OF REP. |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19276F286 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7903280232 | |
| Download: ML19276F285 (2) | |
Text
[
UNITED STATES
.gg
- g NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION j 'Q( ; j WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 "o[dih ' #I Og
%, ' ~ jf March 7, 1979 L.Dg CHAIRMAN The Honorable John B. Anderson United States House of Representatives Washingten, D.C.
20515
Dear Congressman Anderson:
Thank you for your January 24 letter concerning possible Federal funding for the Illinois State Police hazardous materials program.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shares responsibility with the Depart-ment of Transportation for the safe transport of one class of hazardous materials, namely, radioactive materials.
Recognizing the importance of this aspect of the nuclear regulatory program and the need to involve the States, in 1973, the Atomic Energy Commission (the predecessor of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) and the Department of Transportation developed a program to assist interested States in the surveillance of radioactive materials in transport within their borders.
To date, thirteen States and New York City have participated in this joint program.
In 1974, the State of Illinois undertook a three-month monitoring survey.
In 1977, the Illinois Department of Public Health, in cooperation with the Illinois State Police, entered into a longer-term agreement with NRC, renewable at the conclusion of each year's effort.
This agreement is still in effect.
As part of the program, we provided the State with radiation detection instrumentation to equip ten State Police cruisers, manned by trained State Hazardous Materials Officers, to monitor the surface transportation of radioactive materials over Illinois highways.
In 1978, in response to the State's request for additional equipment, we provided instrumentation to equip six more State Police cruisers, bringing the total to 16.
During the first year, the equipment was not used to full advantage because the State Police regard the program as an incidental assignment, to be pursued when they c. e not otherwise engaged in the performance of their duties.
We understand, however, that the matter of assigning -
higher priority to this activity was discussed at a meeting of the State Hazardous Materials Officers in Springfield, January E9-30.
We hope there will be a significant increase in the time and effort devoted to this program in the future so that its full benefits may be realized.
7903280237-
The Honorable John B. Anderson This is the extent of the Commission's cooperative Federal / State program concerning the transport of radioactive materials.
The Commission lacks
. jurisdiction over hazardous materials other than radioactive materials.
Authority for the regulation of such materials in transit, including possible funding for State programs, is vested in the Department of Transportation.
I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to Secretary of Transportation Brock Adams with the request that he look into the matter of possible assistance for the Illinois State Police Hazardous Materials Transportation Program.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
kSincerely,7
\\ ubla 9 seph M. Hendrie cc:
The Honorable Brock Adams Secretary of Transportation