ML19290C632
| ML19290C632 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/03/1980 |
| From: | Ryan R NRC OFFICE OF STATE PROGRAMS (OSP) |
| To: | Baca T NEW MEXICO, STATE OF |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8001220294 | |
| Download: ML19290C632 (2) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION nj WASHINGTON, D. C. 205S5 ss a
gN f 1380 JAN 3 Ref: SA/JMcG Mr. Thomas E. Baca, Director Environmental Improvement Division Health and Environmental Department P.O. Box 968 Santa Fe, New Mexico 8'/u03
Dear Mr. Baca:
This is to confirm the discussion Mr. McGrath held with Mr. Cubia Clayton and Dr. Ted Wolff on November 30, 1979 concerning the results of our review and evaluation of the New Mexico radiation control program. The review covered the principal administrative and technical aspects of the program. This included an examination of the program's funding and personnel resources; licensing, inspection, and enforcement activities; emergency response capabilities for agreement materials; field evaluations of a State inspector; and the status of the State's radiation control regulations.
As a result of our review of the State's program and the routine exchange of information between the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the State of New Mexico, the staff believes that the New Mexico program for regulation of agreement material is adequate to protect the public health and safety and compatible with the Commission's program.
We were pleased to note the actions taken by the State with regard to our previous coments on the State's program. The updating of the New Mexico radiation control regulations was a particularly important step.
The growth of the uranium milling industry in New Mexico has had a significant impact on the State's radiation control program.
In order to maintain a strong regulatory position, the State must have adequate laboratory support. The radiation control program should be in a position to set priorities on the processing of samples and to get results in a timely manner.
It is evident that the Division's program is not in this position. We recommend that the Division develop its own laboratory capability in-house or take other action as necessary to improve existing services. The inability to get timely results from the laboratory may compromise the State's enforcement capability. We would appreciate receiving your views regarding this recommendation.
1785 012 800122o 2 $
Mr. Thomas E. Baca I am enclosing a copy of a letter to Dr. Wolff regarding other aspects of the State's program. Also enclosed is an extra copy of each letter which should be placed in the State Public Document Room or otherwise made available for public review.
I appreci?'e the courtesy and cooperation your staff extended to Mr. McGrath during the meeting.
Sincerely, i
Robert G. Ryan, Direcior Office of State Programs
Enclosures:
As stated cc:
C. Clayton, w/ encl T. Wolff NRC Public Document Room State Public Document Room 1785 013 I
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