ML20154D262
| ML20154D262 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07000734 |
| Issue date: | 09/30/1998 |
| From: | Asmussen K GENERAL ATOMICS (FORMERLY GA TECHNOLOGIES, INC./GENER |
| To: | Gaskin C NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20154D267 | List: |
| References | |
| 696-2983, NUDOCS 9810070178 | |
| Download: ML20154D262 (2) | |
Text
Q JoS k MEfMILAW M L 3 y/ f September 30,1998 696-2983 VIA EXPRESS MAIL SERVICE Mr. Charles E. Gaskin Licensing Section 1/ Licensing Branch Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555
Subject:
Docket No.70-734; SNM-696; Request to Delete General Atomics' Building 35 (Test Tower Facility) from SNM License
Dear Mr. Gaskin:
As you are aware, General Atomics (GA) is in the process of decontaminating, and obtaining the release to unrestricted use, certain ofits facilities on its San Diego site (i.e.,
facilities for which GA has no plans for conducting future activities involving the use of radioactive materials). Most recently, GA completed the decontamination and final surveys of its Building 35 (also known as the Test Tower Facility). This building is comprised of a " main portion" and a " mechanical shop" with a total footprint area of about 2560 ft, The main portion 2
of the building stands about 60 feet tall with East and West towers each extending beyond the 60 foot level to about 85 feet.
Low levels of Cs-137 and Co-60 contamination were detected within the building, but the levels were below approved release criteria in all areas except the ground floor. Contamination on the ground floor was limited to inside a concrete trough located along the north wall of the main portion of the building and on several small areas of the concrete floor. Soil underneath the concrete trough was also found to be cortaminated. Elevated, but below release criteria, residual radioactivity was also measured in small localized areas on the 17' level and the 26' level. All of these areas were decontaminated. Furthermore, GA made an additional effort to eliminate residual contamination from all accessible horizontal surfaces throughout the facility.
Decontamination was accomplished by vacuuming and/or scraping debris or by using more aggressive decontamination techniques.
The results of GA's extensive and comprehensive final radiation and contamination surveys, measurements, sampling, and analyses demonstrate that Building 35 (Test Tower Facility) meets the NRC-and State-approved criteria for release to unrestricted use. These results are documented in the enclosed report titled," FINAL RADIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF blh l
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[DR ADOCK 07000734 PDR; 3550 GENERAL ATOMICS COURT, SAN DIEGO CA 921211194 PO BOX 85608. SAN Dif GO. CA 921H6 5608 (619)455 3000
i U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission September 30,1998 696-2983 Page 2 GENERAL ATOMICS' BUILDING 35 (TEST TOWER FACILITY) FOR RELEASE TO UNRESTRICTED USE," dated September 30,1998.
Under separate cover, GA has requested that the State of Califomia, Department of i
Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch (State) release Building 35 to unrestricted use and delete it from GA's radioactive materials license number 0145-37.
There is no history of SNM use in Building 35. The only contamination detected in the building was byproduct material licensed under thejurisdiction of the State. GA's final surveys and measurements demonstrate the building meets the approved criteria for release. The State will perform independent surveys / measurements to confirm GA's final survey results (in i
response to GA's request for the State to release the building to unrestricted use). Therefore, in view of the preceding, GA hereby requests that the NRC delete GA's Building 35 from its special nuclear material license SNM-696.
i If you should have any questions regarding our request or the enclosed report, please contact Laura Q. Gonzales at (619) 455-2758, or me at (619) 455-2823. As in the past, your assistance in responding to our request is very much appreciated.
Very truly yours, Keith F. Asmussen, Ph. D., Director Licensing, Safety and Nuclear Compliance
Enclosure:
Report titled:" FINAL RADIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF GENERAL ATOMICS' BUILDING 35 (TEST TOWER FAC!LITY) FOR RELEASE TO UNRESTRICTED USE," dated September 30,1998.
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cc:
Dr. D. Blair Spitzberg, Chief, Nuclear Materials Safety Branch 3, NRC Region IV j
Mr. Wayne L. Dritz, Fuel Cycle inspector, NRC Region IV l
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