ML20140F253
| ML20140F253 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/12/1986 |
| From: | Palladino N NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Thomas L ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8603310304 | |
| Download: ML20140F253 (2) | |
Text
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Mr-p 75 4 UNITED STATES
. E NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION W ASWNGTON, D.C. 20555 k E
%, p'*
OFFICE OF THE March 12, 1986 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Lee P. Thomas
. Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20460
Dear Mr. Thomas:
The purpose of this letter is to confirm the commitment of the Nuclear Pegulatory Commission (NRC) to assist EPA in its development of Federal guid-ance on residual radioactive contamination criteria and/or methodology for ~
governing the unrestricted release and potential reuse of a wide range of contaminated lands, facilities, equipment, and materials generated in con-
. junction with nuclear activities. The NRC urgently needs such guidance and we believe other Federal agencies, such as the Departments of Energy and Defense, would also benefit sianificantly from such guidance.
In previous NRC staff correspondence to EPA staff, it was noted that, in view of the broad range of facilities and agencies involved, the development of EPA guidanca on acceptable residual radioactive contamination criteria and methodology for evaluation of proposals should be a careful, deliberative process based on consultation with implementing agencies, including aaencies with reaulatory responsibilities and those agencies which must actually perform cleanup and decontamination operations. This broad range of agencies a'nd facilities and the need for .a careful, deliberative development process are the ma.ior reasons for encouracing EPA to issue such guidance in the forn of Federal guidance approved hv the President. It was also noted in this earlier corresoondence that the guidance should be general and not facility or activity specific, that it should identify and address both principles and implementing factors which must be considered (i.e. , , costs, "as low as reasonably achievable" considerations, basic health and safety limits, etc.),
and should establish acceptable methods for their use by tha Federal agencies.
The July 30, 1985 resonnse by Charles L. Elkins, Acting Assistant Adminis-trator for Air and Pad;stion, is very encouraging and provides a firm basis for EPA /NRC cooperation in this area. I am pleased to note that EPA plans to continue its work in developing Federal guidance for' release of land and buildings for use without restrictions based on residual radioactivity and for designatina low-level waste streams which haue radioactivity levels that are "below regulatory concern." It is alst encouraging that the EPA staff is exploring the possibility of addressing some of our imediate needs for criteria on recycling materials and equipment without restrictions based on residual radioactivity on an earlier schedule than originally planned. We agree with the EPA's priorities as stated by Mr. Elkins, and appreciate his cooperative approach.
8603310304 e60312 PDR COPWW NRCC CDPRESPOPWENCE PDR 1,
Honorable Lee M. Thomas ?
- 1 The efforts already underway at EPA will be very helpful to fiRC in its efforts to properly regulate decomissioning and waste disposal activities.
He recognize that the recycle of slightly contaminated materials is a diffi-cult issue, but one which is important worldwide. I hope yev will be able to find additional resources to work on its resolution. The fGC is prepared te provide staff support to EPA's efforts in analysis of issues which are par-ticularly pertinent to the activities which we regulate.
While arrangements for our cooperative efforts with you are being worked out by our respective staffs, I want to confirm the f4RC's commitmant to essist you in the resolutien of these important issues.
Sincerely,
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/ 6t, pT -7 f, ~ gf/(d flunz i o' .1 Pal 16/ino Chairman I
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