ML19344E682
| ML19344E682 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 08/11/1980 |
| From: | Snyder B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Petrosky A AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19344E683 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8009020465 | |
| Download: ML19344E682 (2) | |
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gt@t AUG 11 Iggg 6
i Mrs. A. M. Petrosky 147 South Front Street Steelton, Pennsylvania 17113
Dear Mrs. Petrosky:
Your postcards to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Middletown about the release of krypton-85 from the Three Mile Island nuclear station were referred
. to me for response.
Metropolitan Edison Company subnitted 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 coments.
These coments were considered in the staff's preparation of the " Final En-vironmental Assessment for Decontamination of the Three ;111e Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Atmosphere" (NUREG-0662), vols. I and 2, copies of which are enclosed for your infonnation.
i From this process have emerged t'he following NRC staff conclusions:
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- The potential physical health impact on the public of using any of the proposed strategies for renoving 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 I
on Three Mile Island to accomplish.
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- Overall, no'significant environnental impact would result from use
. of any, of the alternatives discussed in the assessment.
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-Section 7 of volume 1 of NUREG-0662 discusses the health effect,s of purging the krypton-85 from the reactor building atmosphere.
On June 12, 1980, the Comission issued an Order for Tenporary Modification of License, authorizing controlled purging of the krypton-85 frcm the reactor
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Mrs. A. M. Petrosky.
building atmosphere. In a separate Menorandum and Order, also issued on June 12, 1980, the Commission discussed rationale for its decision. Actual venting operations began on Juns 28, 1980, and were completed on July 11, 1980. The health doses resulting from the purge were well within those predicted in sec-
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tion 7.1 of volume 1 of NRC's final environmental assessment. Copies of both i
Commission isIsuances are also enclosed.
t 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, Program Director
. Three Mile Island. Program Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
1.
NUREG-0662,' vols.1 & 2'
-2.
Order.for Temporary Modification i
of License of June 12,1980 3.
Menorandum and Order
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of June 12, 1980 DISTRIBUTION Docket 50-289 i
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