ML19330B940
| ML19330B940 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 07/31/1980 |
| From: | Snyder B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Jongerius C AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19330B941 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8008070249 | |
| Download: ML19330B940 (2) | |
Text
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JJL 3150 32 Craig Jongerius 403 Colorado Avenue 93 Orange City, Iowa 51041 h'd
Dear Craig:
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Your letter to President Carter about the release of krypton from the Thre-Mile Island nuclear station has been referred to me for response.
I regret that this answer has been delayed for so long.
3 Metropolitan Edison Company submitted to flRC a " Safety Analysis and Environ-mental Report" (flovember 13, 1979) in which it evaluated alternative methods for the disposal of the krypton gases, such as purging, cryogenic processing, and selective absorption. flRC also evaluated alternative methods for disposal i
i of the krypton gas to determine what effect decontamination would have on j
workers, on public health and safety, and on the environment. Based on its evaluation, ilRC issued an environmental assessment (fiUREG-0662 and two addenda) for public comment on March 26, 1980, and received approximately 800 comments.
These comments were considered in the staff's preparation of the " Final En-vironmental Assessment for Decontamination of the Three flile Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Atmosphere" (flVREG-0662), vols. I and 2, copies of which are enclosed for your information.
From this process have emerged the following flRC staff conclusions:
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- The potential physical health impact on the public of using any of the proposed strategies for removing the krypton-85 is negligible.
- The potential psychological impact is likely to grow the longer it takes to reach a decision, get started, and complete the process.
- The purging method is'the quickest and the safest for the workers on Three flile Island to accomplish.
- Overall, no significant environmental' impact would result from use of any of the alternatives discussed in the assessment.
On June 12, 1980, the Commission issued an Order for Temporary Modification of License, authorizing controlled purging of the krypton-85 from the reactor building atmosphere.
In a separate Memorandum and Order,'also issued on June 12, the Commission discussed rationale for its decision. Actual venting opera-tions began on June 28, 1980. Copies of both Commission issuances are also en :losed.
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Iri its Statement of Policy and flotice of Intent to Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement of November 21, 1979, t U Commission stated a
that the staff would prepare a programmatic environmenta impact statement on the decontamination and disposal of radioactive wastes resulting from the accident at Three itile Island Unit 2.
The statement emphasizes the Commission's intention to coordinate its actions on this matter with the President's Council on Environmental Quality and to provide the opportunity for public comments.
l The programmatic environmental impact statement will focus on the environmental issues and alternative methods associated with the performance of these clean-up activities.
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We appreciate your concerns and assure you that every effort is being made to ensure the continued protection of the health and safety of the public.
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Sincerely, C
Bern d J. Snyder, Program Director Three flile Island Program Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
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HUREG-0662, vols. 1 & 2 2.
Order for Temporary Modification e
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Memorandum and Order of June 12, 1980 DISTRIBUTION Doc.et 50-289 k
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