ML20247A661
| ML20247A661 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/10/1989 |
| From: | Stello V NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Bently H HOUSE OF REP. |
| References | |
| REF-WM-3 NUDOCS 8905230236 | |
| Download: ML20247A661 (2) | |
Text
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-.y UNITED STATES F
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
- j WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
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May 10,1989 The Honorable Helen Delich Bentley United States House of Representatives
' Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Bentley:
This is in response to your letter dated April 13, 1989 to Chairman Zech.
In your letter, you indicated that one of your constituents proposed a method for
. disposing of radioactive wastes in dry and deserted oil and gas wells. You requested that the U.S. huclear Regulatory Comission (NRC) staff evaluate the
-proposed concept if it had not previously been considered.
.The NRC is not responsible for selecting radioactive waste oisposal technologies. The NRC is responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear facilities and materials in order to protect public health and safety and the environment and to protect and safeguard materials and plants in the interest of national security.
The responsibility for selecting a radioactive waste disposal technology depends on the type of radioactive wastes being considered. For high-level radioactive waste, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has the responsibility of selecting a disposal technology. For low-level radioactive wastes, the states are responsible. DOE also has programs that assist states in their development of low-level radioactive waste disposal plans.
For this reason, the NRC is forwarding your letter to DOE for further consideration.
I would note that the proposed disposal concept made by your constituent is similar to an option that has been referred to as the " deep hole" concept.
In the deep hole concept, radioactive waste would be placed in holes in geologic formations as much as 10,000 meters underground.
In considering this alternative, DOE found that it was not economically feasible to dispose of high-volume waste (e.g., low-level radioactive wastes) in this manner.
The DOE should be able to provide you with additional information regarding this concept.
Sincerely, Original signed ty.
Victor Stello, Jr.p Victor Stello, Jr.
Executive Director for Operations 8905230236 890510 PDR WASTE WM-3 PDC j
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DISTRIBUTION AND CONCURRENCE FOR:
The Honorable Helen Delich Bentley Member of Congress United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 FROM:
Victor Stello, Jr.
Executive Director for Operations
SUBJECT:
EDO 0004420; DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTE AND OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Distribution:
EDO 0904420 Central File f #/D'I NMSS r/f LLRB r/f_ LLRB t/f RBoyle -
MBell AHenry Glear JGreeves CJenkins Directors r/f HThompson VStello SECY 89-0376 ED0 4420, ED0 r/f, RBernero, CA P5R Yes
/X7 PDR No
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Category: Proprietary /
/ or CF Only /
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ACNW Yes / /
No y/</ % /4
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SUBJECT ABSTRACT:
DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTE AND OTHER HAZARD 0US MATERIALS V
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0FFICIAL RECORD COPY
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