NRC Generic Letter 78-10, Guidance On Radiological Environmental Monitoring

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GL78010

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON D. C. 20555

April 11, 1975

To All Power Reactor Licensees

Gentlemen:

Enclosed for your information and possible future use is the current NRC guidance on radiological environmental monitoring for nuclear power plants.

10 CFR Parts 20 and 50 require that radiological environmental monitoring programs be established to provide data on measurable levels of radiation and radioactive materials in the site environs. In addition, Appendix I to 10 CFR Part 50 requires that the relationship between quantities of radioactive material released in effluents during normal operation, including anticipated operational occurrences, and resultant radiation doses to individuals from principal pathways of exposure be evaluated.

Regulatory Guide 4.8, Environmental Technical Specifications for Nuclear Power Plants, was issued for comment in December 1975. The enclosed technical position on the radiological portion of environmental monitoring was formulated by an NRC working group which considered the comments received on Regulatory Guide 4.8. This position sets forth guidance for developing an acceptable minimum radiological monitoring program to meet the regulatory requirements of 10 CFR Parts 20 and 50. Local site characteristics need to be examined to determine if pathways not covered by this guide may significantly contribute to a individual's dose and should be included in the sampling program. The acceptability of changes to radiological environmental monitoring programs at operating reactors will be evaluated based on this guidance as well as on a review of past operating data.

We are developing technical specifications which incorporate the Appendix I guidance set forth in the enclosed position. These specifications will be implemented or all operating reactors in the future. This position is being provided to you at the present time for information only and no action is required or your part. More specific guidance on technical specifications relating to the implementation of Appendix I to 10 CFR 50 will be provided to you in the future.

Karl R. Goller, Assistant Director for Operating Reactors Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation