ML19344E587
| ML19344E587 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 08/14/1980 |
| From: | Snyder B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Bixler G AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19344E588 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8009020310 | |
| Download: ML19344E587 (2) | |
Text
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4 UNITED STATES 8
4 NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION y
.E WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
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AUGUST 1 4 1980 Mrs. Glenda Bixler 255 West Second Street Hummelstown, Pennsylvania 17036
Dear Mrs. Bixler:
Your lettei s to the Nuclear Ryulatory Commission expressing your concern about the release of krypton-85 from the Three Mile Island nuclear station have been referred to me for response.
I regret r. hat this answer has been delayed. The accident and its consequences have created a substantial increase in the agency's workload, which has prevented me from responding to you as promptly as I would have liked.
Metropolitan Edison Company submitted to NRC a " Safety Analysis and Environ-mental Report" (November 13, 1979) in which it evaluated alternative methods for the disposal of the krypton gases, such as purging and cryogenic processing, and selective absorption. NRC 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, NRC issued an environmental assessment (NUREG-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 Mile Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Atmosphere" (NUREG-0662), vols.1 and 2, copies of which are crclosed for your information.
From this process have emerged the following NRC staff conclusions:
- The potential physical health impact on the public of using any of l
the preposed 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.
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- The purging method is the quickest and the safest for the workers on Three Mile Island to accomplish.
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- Overall, no significant environmental impact ould result from use-of any of the alternatives discussed in the assessment.
Section 7 of volume 1 of NUREG-0662 discusses the health effects of purging the krypton-85 from the reactor building atmosphere.
D09020gjp THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS P00R QUALITY PAGES I
Mrss Glenda Bixler #UGUST f4g 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 Mmorandum 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 health doses resulting from the purge were well within those predicted in sec-tion 7.1 of volume 1 of NRC's final environmental assessment. Copies of both Commission issuances are also enclosed.
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 only at Three Mile Island, but also at all nuclear power plants.
Sincerely, Bernard J. Snyder, Progra. Director Three Mile Island Program Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
1.
NUREG-0662, vol s.1 & 2 2.
Order for Temporary Modification of License of June 12, 1980 3.
M morandum and Order of June 12, 1980 I
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