ML20211A162
| ML20211A162 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/22/1986 |
| From: | Chilk S NRC OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY (SECY) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20211A149 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8606110072 | |
| Download: ML20211A162 (3) | |
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reassertion of Certain Regulatory Authority in the State of New Mexico By letter dated March 18, 1986 Governor Toney Anaya of New Mexico, requested that the NRC reassert its authority over uranium milling and mill tailings in New Mexico.
The Governor stated that because of severe budget constraints, as well as other compelling reasons, the State can no longer assume regulatory responsibility for uranium mill tailings.
The other reasons found compelling by Governor Anaya related to legal problems in attempting to enforce Federal regulations directly, difficulties anticipated in upgrading the New Mexico regulations and mill surety arrangements and high staff turnover.
A copy of the Governor's letter is on file in the Commission's Public Document Room at 1717 H Street, NW, Washington, DC.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 274j of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted the Governor's request.
The Commission found that it is necessary to terminate that part of New Mexico's agreement relinquishing NRC authority over uranium and thorium milling activities and mill tailings and to reassert NRC licensing and regulatory authority over these activities and the mill tailings produced in order to protect the public health and safety.
This finding ensures that there will be no lapse of licensing and regulatory authority over these activities and materials upon 8606110072 860522 PDR COMMS NRCC CORRESPONDENCE PDR
's
.. relinquishment of this authority by the State of New Mexico.
This reassertion of authority will become effective on June 1, 1986.
This action does not affect the renaining portion of the New Mexico Agreement State Program which covers regulation of byproduct material (as defined in Section 11(e) (1) of the Atomic Energy Act), source material, and special nuclear material in quantities not sufficient to form a critical mass.
Persons seeking licenses for activities within New Mexico involving byproduct material as defined in Section 11e(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, or activities resulting in the production of such byproduct material should file such applications with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Uranium Recovery Field Of fice,. Box 25325, Denver, Colcrado 80225, Attention R. Dale Smith, Director.
Existing uranium milling licensees in New Mexico are being advised of this change in regulatory authority.
Pursuant to a Commission order published with this notice, existing New Mexico licenses af fected by this change will become effective NRC licenses under conditions set forth in the order.
W e
- For information regarding this reassertion action contact the NRC's Office of State Programs, Mr. Donald A. Nussbaumer (301-492-7767) or John F. Kendig (301-492-9886).
Fo the Co ission J L 'ks Samuel J. Chil ecretary clf the Commission Dated at Washington, DC thisNd day of
/NAy
, 1986
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