ML20195G928
| ML20195G928 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/13/1998 |
| From: | Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Inouye D SENATE |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20195G931 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9811230184 | |
| Download: ML20195G928 (2) | |
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November 13, 1998' CHAMMAN The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510-1102
Dear Senator Inouye:
As a result of your October 14,1998 letter, Mr. Jim Montgomery of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Region IV staff contacted Dr. Lyle Wong of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDA) and participated in the October 22,1998, panel discussion, press conference and evening public meeting in Hilo, Hawaii, in regard to a proposed commercial irradiator facility.
The panel discussion involved Mr. Montgomery and representatives from the HDA, Steris/Isomedix Corporation, the local fire department, the Hawaii Department of Public Works, the Hawaii Department of Health, the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and the Center for Study of Active Volcanos. The panel members exchanged technical information concerning the design, construction and operation of food irradiators and the impact that Hawaii's unique volcanic environment could have on an irradiator's safe operation. Mr. Montgomery described the NRC's licensing process that would be initiated when an application for an irradiator license is submitted to the NRC. It was emphasized that the NRC's review would be conducted by a team of specialists who would scientifically evaluate the Irradiator's siting, design, construction and operation to determine if such a facility and its radioactive cobalt-60 could be operated in a manner compatible with adequate protection of public health and safety. Mr. Montgomery further emphasized that no NRC license would be granted for the irradiator if the technical review indicated the facility could not be safely operated or could pose an unacceptable public health risk in Hawaii's unique environment. Fo!!owing the technical panel discussions, the panel held a press conference that was attended by four members of the local print media.
An evening public meeting was held at a hotel conference room in Hilo. The panel, which included participants from the same organizations represented in the earlier sessions, responded to written questions submitted by the audience. The audience of approximately 70 citizens consisted of both irradiator proponents and opponents as well as undecided voters.
7 Mr. Montgomery's remarks and answers to questions were consistent with the panel meeting f g, and press conference held earlier in the day.
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The Honerable Daniel K. Inouye The NRC is committed to ensure that nuclear safety remains the utmost priority during all phases of discussions and review related to the proposed commercial irradiation facility in Hawaii. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely, Shirley Ann Jackson l
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