ML19339B252
| ML19339B252 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 10/20/1980 |
| From: | Snyder B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Lyng T AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19339B253 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8011060611 | |
| Download: ML19339B252 (2) | |
Text
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/ S.C A OCT 2 v 1830 fir. Timothy J. Lyng 102 Orchard Street itechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055
Dear Mr. Lyng:
Your letter to President Carter regarding the release of krypton-85 from the Three !!ile Island nuclear station was referred to me for response.
I regret l
that this answer has been delayed for so long.
fletropolitan Edison Company sutnitted to f;RC a " Safety Analysis and Environ-mental Report" (flovenber 13,1979) in which it evaluated alternative methods for the disposal of the krypton gases, such as purging and cryogenic processing, and selective absorption. fiRC also evaluated alternative methods for disposal of the krypton gas to determine what effect decontamination would have on workers, on the public health and safety, and on the environment. Based on its evaluation, flRC issued an environmental assessment (fiUREG-0662 and two ad-denda) for public comment on fiarch 26, 1980, and received approximately 800 comments. These comments were considered in the staff's preparation of the
" Final Environmental Assessment for Decontamination of the Three !!ile Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Atmosphere" (flVREG-0662), vols.1 and 2, copies of which are enclosed for your infomation.
From this process have emerged the followhg flRC staff conclusions:
- 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 i
takes to reach a decision, get started, and complete the process.
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- The purging method is the quickest and the safest for the workers on Three Mile 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 Tmporary !!odification of License, authorizing controlled purging of the krypton-85 from the reactor building atmosphere.
In a separate !!emorandum and Order, also issued on June 12, 1980, the Commission discussed rationale for its decision. Actual venting operations began on June 28, 1980, and were completed on July 11, 1980. The doses resulting from the purge were well within those predicted in section 7.1 of volume 1 of flRC's final envirorrnental assessment. Copies of both Commission issuances are also enclosed.-
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Mr. Timothy J. Lyng m 2 01980
-l In its Statenent of Policy and !!otice of Intent to Prepare a Programmatic En-
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vironmental Impact Statement of November 21, 1979, the Commission stated that a
the staff would prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement on the decontamination and disposal of radioactive wastes resulting from the accident at Three flile Island Unit 2.
The statenent emphasizes the Commission's inton-tion to coordinate its actions on this matter with the President's Council on Environmental Quality and to provide the opportunity for public comments. The Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement was issued on August 14,1930, and t'
focuses on the envirormental issues and alternative methods associated with the performance of these cleanup activities.
I 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.
Sincerely, i
I Bernard J. Snyder,' Program Director Three Mile Island Program Office i
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation 4
Enclosures:
1.
NUREG-0662, vols.1 & 2 2.
Order for Temporary !!odification of License of June 12, 1930 3.
Memorandum and Order of June 12, 1980 i
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