ML20138N105

Responds to Requesting That NRC Arranges & Provides Funding for Disposal of Cs-137 Source Discovered in Load of Metal Scrap at Licensee Facility

ML20138N105
Person / Time
Issue date:	02/25/1997
From:	Paperiello C NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
To:	Natale J AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
References
SSD, NUDOCS 9702270143
Download: ML20138N105 (1)

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Febru, ary,- 25,;1997

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4 Mr. J:seph J. N tile _

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. Environmental / Safety Supervisor

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NIMCO Shredding Company P.O. Box 5157 Newark, NJ 07105

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Dear Mr. Natale:

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This is in response to your letter dated January 27,1997, requesting the Nuclear Regulatory

' Commission arrange and provide funding for thedisposal of a cesium-137 source discovered in a load of metal scrap at the NIMCO Shredding Company. We appreciate you bringing to our attention the discovery of the orphaned cesium-137 source and we will endeavor to assist you in determining the appropriate course of action to properly dispose of the material.

However, NRC is prevented by legislative constraints from providing funding for the disposal of radioactive material or for making arrangements for disposal with waste brokers or waste storage facilities.

The management of the response to a radiological incident is detailed in the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP). This document sets out the roles and responsibilities of Federal, State, and local agencies in response to an identified radiological incident. The primary responsibility for the response to radiological incidents lies with State and local authorities. If the State and local authorities are unable to properly respond to the -

radiological incident, they may request assistance from the appropriate Federal agency.

Based on the unknown nature of the origin of the cesium-137 source and that it cannot be' traced to a NRC or Agreement State licensee, the appropriate Federal agency is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is my understanding that the NRC Region I office L and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are aware and have discussed this situation with you. In addition, our Region i personnel have indicated that this matter has been referred to the EPA Region 11 office as the lead Federal agency in accordance with the FRERP. You may contact Mr. Paul Giardina, Radiation Protection Manager for the EPA Region 11 office, at (212) 264-4110 for more information as to the status of their action on this matter.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please call Mr. Douglas Broaddus at (301) 415-5847.

OdginalsignedbyCarlJ.Pgarie'h Carl J. Paperiello, Director Office of Nuclear Material Safety f

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and Safeguards.

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