NRC Generic Letter 81-39, NRC Volume Reduction Policy

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WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555

November 30, 1981

TO: ALL POWER REACTOR LICENSEES AND APPLICANTS FOR OPERATING LICENSES AND HOLDERS OF CONSTRUCTION PERMITS

SUBJECT: NRC VOLUME REDUCTION POLICY (GENERIC LETTER NO. 81-39)

On October 16, 1981, the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published in the Federal Register (Vol. 46, No. 200, pp. 51100-51101) a policy statement-on Low-Level-Radioactive Waste Volume Reduction.

The policy statement addresses:

(1) the need for a volume reduction policy, and

(2) the need for waste generators to minimize the quantity of waste produced. The policy also states the NRC will take expeditious action on requests for the licensing of volume reduction systems.

In order to assure that all licensees and Agreement State authorities are aware of this volume reduction policy, we are enclosing a copy of the Federal Register Notice for your use.

In addition to the volume reduction policy statement, the NRC has recently published a report prepared by Teknekron, Inc., entitled "Volume Reduction Techniques in Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management, NUREG/CR-2206. This report presents a detailed compilation of volume reduction techniques for wastes generated in fuel cycle and non-fuel cycle facilities. A detailed economic analysis is also presented for several techniques used at the waste generator's site and on a regional basis. This document is available through:

GPO Sales Program Technical Information and Document Control U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

or

National Technical Information Service Springfield, Virginia 22161

Sincerely,

Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director Division of Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation