ML20238F425
| ML20238F425 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 08/24/1998 |
| From: | Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Whitman C NEW JERSEY, STATE OF |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20238F427 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9809030359 | |
| Download: ML20238F425 (4) | |
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u%4 UNITED STATES
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' August 24, 1998 HThompson PNorry CHANNAN JBlaha MKnapp, NMSS CMattsen, NMSS KCyr, 0GC GT980480 The Honorable Christine Todd Whitman ED0 r/f Governor of New Jersey Trenton, New Jersey '08625-0001.
Dear Govemor Whitman:
I am responding to your letter of July 28,1998, which expressed your concern about incidents of inappropriately handled generally licensed devices and your interest in our efforts to improve the regulatory program to prevent inadvertent exposures and cleanup costs. The Commission is in the process of conducting two rulemakings to address the control of generally licensed devices.
The first will provide the basis for instituting a registration system for devices that present a higher risk of inadvertent exposures relative to other generally licensed devices. It is expected that this proposed rule will be published for comment this fall. The initiation of registration will also depend on the development of an automated registration system.
The criteria for inclusion in a registration system were based on the recommendations of an NRC-Agreement State Working Group which focused on higher risk radionuclides such as :
cesium-137 and cobalt-60. This registration program will not, at least initially, include tritium
, (H-3) exit signs, because the quantity and radiological properties of the isotope used in these signs is of lower risk significance. We recognize that, because of the nature of these signs, places of use, and very large numbers of them in use, they are involved in a number of incidents of mishandling, loss, and breakage. However, the resulting health and safety impacts of these -
incidents are relatively low in comparison with the potential impacts from incidents involving
' devices containing the isotopes and quantities to be included in the initial scope of the proposed registration systemL The exposures that resulted in the cases you mentioned were not.
l-estimated to exceed the dose limit for members of the public. Although higher doses are
- peasible, it is unlikely for incidents involving tritium exit signs to result in exposures that could have significant health consequences.
Work on a second, more comprehensive rule is also proceeding on a rapid schedule. This rule will consider other aspects of the NRC-Agreement State Working Group recommendations, in particular, revisions to reporting, recordkeeping, and labeling requirements for vendors and fees for registration of generally licensed devices, as well as sorne additional issues identified by my lf;i; staff. it will also establish the level of compatibility for Agreement State regulations with regard f,
to the additional requirements in this area. This rulemaking will include some provisions applicable to a much broader range of devices, including exit signs. These provisions include requirements for labeling and transfer of devices and may improve accountability of devices y
distributed in the future. In so developing the more comprehensive rule, the staff is making
.rO efforte to coordinate with the States to develop a cost-effective nationwide program to improve
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control and accountability of generally licensed devices. There are a number of avenues planned and being explored to involve the States in the process of developing this rule, as well Originated lby:
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l discussed by telephone on August 11,1998, participation by the ate of New Jersey in the rulemaking efforts. We will continue to coordinate closely wit. r. Lipoti and her staff throughout this process.
Sin'cerely, Shirley Ann Jackson
Enclosure:
As stated.
This correspondence addresses policy issues previously resolved by the Commission, transmits factual mformation. or restates Commission policy.
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staff recently corresponded with Dr. Jill Lipoti, of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, concerning her interest in assisting with this process (enclosed). Dr. Lipoti and l
Dr. Patricia Holahan of my staff discussed by telephone on August 11,1998, participation by the State of New Jersey in the rulemaking efforts. We will continue to coordinate closely with l
Dr. Lipoti and her staff throughout this process.
j Sincerely, Shirley Ann Jackson i
Enclosure:
As stated.
This correspcNence addiesses policy issues previously remlved by the Comrrusson, transmits factual information. or restates Commission polic' Distribut6on: (o:\\mattneninjgovgl.rsp) 0908480 RGordon/RF AThadani LJCallan IMNS/ Central File PNorry WTravers NMSS R/F SBurns JBlaha NRC Central File SECY CRC-984734 CPoland (NMSS Ticket No. 980480) i EDO/RF PTressler To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box "C" = copy without attachment / enclosure,"B" = copy with attachment / enclosure, "N"
= No copy Proofed byJ. Kraus 8/11/98 F/n / */r Ms gidd OFFICE:
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as means for implementing an increased oversight program. My staff recently corresponded with Dr. Jill Lipoti, of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, concerning her interest in assisting with this process (enclosed). Dr. Lipoti and Dr. Patricia Holahan of my staff discussed by telephone on August 11,1998, participation by the State of New Jersey in the rulemaking efforts. We will continue to coordinate closely with Dr. Lipoti and her staff throughout this process.
Sincerely, Shirley Ann Jackson
Enclosure:
As stated l
l