ML19339C016

Responds to 800628 Telegram to President Carter Re Venting Kr-85 from Facility.Nrc Has Evaluated Alternative Methods for Disposal of Kr-85 to Determine What Effect Decontamination Would Have on Public Health

ML19339C016
Person / Time
Site:	Crane
Issue date:	10/31/1980
From:	Snyder B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:	Chong L AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
References
NUDOCS 8011170102
Download: ML19339C016 (3)

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Ms. Lynn Chong M

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Dear Ms. Chong:

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Your telegram to President Carter about the release of krypton-85 from the i

Three Mile Island nuclear station was referred to me for response.

!!etropolitan Edison Company subnitted to NRC a " Safety Analysis and Environ-mental Report" (November 13, 1979) in which it evaluated alternative methods i

for the disposal of the krypton gases, such as purging and cryogenic processing, I

and selective absorption. NRC also evaluated alternative methods for disposal l

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 3

its evaluation NRC issued an environmental assessment (NUREG-0662 and tw ad-denda) for public comment on March 26, 1980, and received approximately 800 l

comments. These comments were considered in the staff's preparation of the

" Final Environmental Assessment for Decontamination of the Three fifle Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Atmosphere" (NUREG-0662), vols. I and 2, copies of which are enclosed for your information.

From this pr~ocess have energed the following NRC staff conclusions:

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- The potential physical health impact on the public of using a_n'y, of n

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 quickeat and the safest for the workers I

on Three Mile Island to accomplish.

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- Overal.1, 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 i

building atmosphere.

In a' separate Memorandum and Order, also issued on June 12, 1980, the Commission discussed rationale for its decision. Actual purging operations began on June 28,1980,"and were completed on July 11, 1980.

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doses resulting from the purge were well within those predicted in section 7.1 of volume 1 of HRC's final environmental assessment. Copies of both Commission issuances are also enclos.ed.

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, not l

only at Three Mile Island, but also at all nuclear power plants.

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Sincerely,

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Bernard J. Snyder, Program Director Three Mile Island Program Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosures:

1.

PPJREG-0662, vol s.1 & 2

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2.

Order for Temporary Modification of License of June 12, 1980

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Memorandum and Order of June 12, 1980 i

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