ML19281A790

Requests Reanalysis of Discharging Radioactive Contaminants Over Allowable Limit Into Lake Erie.Does Not Believe Radiation Can Be Diluted to Harmless Degree by Mixing W/ Large Amounts of Water

ML19281A790
Person / Time
Site:	West Valley Demonstration Project
Issue date:	03/05/1979
From:	Lango J AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
To:	Rouse L NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
References
NUDOCS 7904040310
Download: ML19281A790 (2)

Text

"

l #D R-

/50-201 March 5, 1979 7 .w l Mr. Lee Rouse, Chief .., c 3 C IA 1 Reprocessing and RecycleBranc'h U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ,

1717 H Street, N.W. ,, -

U-Washing bo n, DC 20555 #

M

Dear Mr. Rouse:

On December 16, 1978, I notified the United States Depart-ment of Energy at West Valley, New York about the Springville Electric Departmentes hydro-electric power dam being contaminated with radioactive substances. These radioactive pollutants are a direct result of operations of the Nuclear Fuel Services reprocess-ing plant at West Valley, New York.

I requested at the Department Of Energy's Informational Conference in West Valley, New York that the radioactive silt above the Springville Power Dam be included in the clean-up of the N.F.S. site. Dr. Goetz K. Certel, Acting Director, Division of Waste Products, Office of Nuclear Waste Management told me he did not have the authority to add to the plans of the original study. However, he was concerned and did forward my letter to your office on January 5, 1979. To this date I have not received any acknowledgment f rom your office.

I understand that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the license for the Nuclear Fuel Services to reprocess nuclear fuel in a safe manner for all concerned. This has not been accomplished -- either N.F.S. has discharged radioactive contami-nants over and abover the allowable limits -- or the N.R.C. was in error in setting the limits too HIGH. I believe this should be very carefully analyzed so that there is not a reoccurrence of this situation again -- here at West Valley or anywhere else in these United States.

I do not beiieve in the theory that radiation can be diluted to a harmless degree by mixing it with large amounts of water in any creek, river or lake. The water may have the power to dilute but it also has the power to reconcentrate the contaminates at any point where the water currents slow down. This has been proven in the Hudson River (PCB hot spots), as well as here in the Cattaraugus Creek; Springville Power Dam and the mouth of the Cattaraugus Creek at Lake Erie. The Cattaraugus Creek empties into Lake Erie, just a short distance above the water intake that supplies Erie County and the intake that supplies the City of Buffalo.

79040403(0 12250

a These deposits at the Springville Dam -- or anywhere in the Cattaraugus Creek or Lake Erie -- may rerain undisturbed for years but they are a constant _ threat to our drinking water, as well as anyone who may be working, living nearby, or swimming in the waters of Cattaraugus Creek or Lake Erie.

I believe the radioactive sludge and silt should be removed from above the Springville Power Dam as soon as possible. I am requesting your advice on how this can be accomplished, so the Springville Electric Department may continue their efforts to in-crease the electrical output of their hydro-powered generators.

I Vould like to know when this could be done and WHO will pay the cost. According to your records has Nuclear Fuel Services ever violated (in any way) the allowable discharge of radioactive materials into the Cattaraugus Creek?

It would be very helpful if you would send me a copy of your complete records on all the monitoring of water and silt in the Cattaraugus Creek, from Buttermilk Creek to Lake Erie.

I am requesting your cooperation in this matter because you are the regulator of the Nuclear Industry and I feel are responsible for the assurances that the industry does not cause undue health hazards or financial hardhips on our communities or citizens.

The radiation in the Cattaraugus Creek is a hazard and harship that the citizens of Western New York cannot afford. I feel that the Village of Springville especially, has been treated unjustly by the Nuclear Fuel Services, Incorporated and that this must be corrected as soon as possible.

Sincerely, L

VJamesawA.hLango ,,Y, 76 Mill Street Springville, NY 14141 cc: Dr. G. K. Certel, Acting Director Division of Waste Products Mr. James Neff, Village Electric Department 90 Childs Street Springville, NY 14141

-