ML20246M274

Response to Hastert Committee on Public Works & Transportation Question 9 for 890713 Hearing

ML20246M274
Person / Time
Issue date:	07/13/1989
From:	NRC
To:	Hastert J HOUSE OF REP.
Shared Package
ML20246M176	List: ML20246M170 ML20246M178 ML20246M192 ML20246M199 ML20246M205 ML20246M218 ML20246M243 ML20246M259 ML20246M265 ML20246M274
References
CCS, HASTERT-890713, NUDOCS 8909070127
Download: ML20246M274 (1)

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QUESTION 9.. What is'the dispersal rate of the tailings during i

l' transportation?.

i ANSWER.

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The dispersal rate can vary depending on whether the trucks and/or trains use mitigative ~ measures, such as wetting or chemical stabilizers, tarp covers cr limiting vehicle speeds. The regional meteorology also plays a large role.

Rather than use~ predictive estimates,'NRC has selected to rely on-4 . prudent work practices to minimize releases of tailings in the case that they are being relocated. For the Edgemont,-South Dakota uranium mill-decommissioning, NRC required the licensee (TVA) to cover the. truck loads, to

'line the truck beds with rubber, to centrol the speed'of the trucks and to

-survey. and, if necessary, cleanup the haul raad surfaces. The primary aim of these precautions was to limit further proliferation of the uranium mill-tailings and associated liquids.

As described in the. September 1984 Remedial Action Plan and Site Conceptual Design for Stabilization of the Salt Lake City, Utah Uranium Mill Tailings Site [UMTRA-DOE /AL-0141.0000], the DOE utilized water-based surfactants, tarpaulins or canopies, or spray latex sealants for trucks and railcars.

. Trucks and trailers were also fitted with door seals to prevent leakage.

Truck and railcar washdown facilities were maintained at both the Salt Lake City site and the Clive disposal site.

8909070127 890814 PDR ORG NE ED PDC

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COM0820 August 14,1989 The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert Committee on Public Works and Transportation United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Hastert:

In response to your letter of July 19, 1989 to Mr. Hugh L. Thompson, Jr.,

enclosed are responses to your questions on transportation of uranium tailings.

'Please let me know if the NRC can be of further assistance.

Sincerely, 1e ,

By:

James M. 8,fler Acting Executive Director for Operations

Enclosures:

Responses to Questions on HaJ ardous Materials Distribution: JTaylor NMSS PAB FILE 1.9.1.5 HThompson NMSS Directors r/f JBlaha NMSS r/f l EDO r/f JScinto l dmo'rris, 004618 SECY ,

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