ML20138N702
| ML20138N702 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/06/1985 |
| From: | Palladino N NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Markey E HOUSE OF REP., ENERGY & COMMERCE |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20138N704 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8512240121 | |
| Download: ML20138N702 (2) | |
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- ~ NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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- . December 6, M85 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Edward J. Markey, Chairman Subcomittee on Energy Conservation and Power Comittee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We are in receipt of your letter dated December 5,1985. Since you requested an immediate reply, we are providing a brief response to each of your questions:
- 1. Is radon contaminated soil within the NRC definition of low-level radioactive waste?
Radium and its decay product, radon, are na'turally. occurring radioactive material (NARM). NRC does not. regulate NARM, except for source material mill tailings. Consequently, radium and radon are not within the NRC definition of low-level radioactive waste.
"2 . Do the licenses at the three commercial low-level radioactive waste facilities permit the acceptance of such soil?
We understend tha.t.the Barnwell site in South Carolina does not currently accept such material. Th~e other.two commercial low-level radioactive waste facilities have at times agreed to accept radium contaminated soils.
- 3. Could such licenses be amended to preclude acceptance?
The licenses for each of the three comercial sites are issued by Agreement States and are subject to amendment by those States. In addition, each of the three States may have other applicable regulatory authority.
- 4. How, if at all, does the NRC regulate such soil or similar substances?
As stated above, NRC does not regulate NARM.
- 5. What further information does the NRC have on this matter which would be relevant to the consideration of this provision?
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On December 5, our Office of Congressional Affairs provided the Subcomittee staff with information concerning the capacity of the three comercial sites and the types of radioactive waste materials that are disposed in them.
l 8512240121 851206
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, ..2-We hope'that y6u will find this information responsive to your inquiry.
' Sincerely,'
(J C 1 3' '5]fh%[< ,w e; -
s- V/ gq Nunzio J. Palladino cc: The Honorable Carlos Moorhead l
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