NUREG-1310, Discusses 880505 Mtg Re Federal Regulation of Naturally Occurring & Accelerator Produced Radioactive Matls (Narm). Issue Referred to Committee on Interagency Radiation Research & Policy Coordination for Appropriate Attention
| ML20151P298 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/26/1988 |
| From: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Graham W PRESIDENT OF U.S. & EXECUTIVE OFFICES |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20151P279 | List: |
| References | |
| RTR-NUREG-1310 NUDOCS 8808090311 | |
| Download: ML20151P298 (3) | |
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- h ,, j NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ,
1 f WASHINGTON, D.C. 20666 i 9
CHAIR 7AAN July 26, 1988 Dr. William R. Graham Science Adviser to the President 360 Old Executive Office Building Washington, DC 20506
Dear Dr. Graham:
I On May 5, 1988, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was briefed on the matter of Federal regulation of naturally occurring and accelerator-produced radioactive materials (NARM).
Participating in that meeting was Dr. Alvin L. Young, Chairman of the Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination (CIRRPC) . As discussed at that meeting, the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) has asked that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission seek l legislative authority to regulate discrete sources of NARM. Also !
at that meeting, the NRC staff described its evaluation of the issues involved in Federal regulation of NARM and presented its ,
recommendation that the CRCPD concern be referred to CIRRPC. '
Part of the basis for this staff recommendation was that some Federal agencies already have jurisdiction over NARM hazards and that any further Federal regulation of NARM may cut across several ager.cies' responsibilities.
Having considered the information contained in the stuff's report, NUREG-1310, and with the benefit of the discussions at the May 5 meeting, the Commission has decided to refer the issue of Federal regulation o f NARM to CIRRPC. On the advice of Dr. Young, we are addressing this issue to you as chair of the l Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering and l Technology, which administratively created CIRRPC, to ensure that j this important issue receives appropriate attention. The j Commission believes that CIRRPC, as the body created to coordinate Fcderal policy on radiation issues, will be able to l
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make recommendations on the appropriate designation of i responsibilities for regulation of NARM. A copy of the staff's report was given to Dr. Young prior to the Commission meeting, and we have enclosed a copy of it for you.
We have coordinated with the CRCPD in developing the enclosed scope of this referral. Given the importance CRCFD attaches to !
this issue, the Commission encourages close cooperation with CRCPD. We would appreciate CIRRPC's completing the evaluation and providing recommendations to the Commission within 18 months.
l l
G808090311 880726 PDR COMMS NRCC CORRESPONDENCE PDC
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I The Commission appreciates your~ assistance in this matter, and we look iorward to the report.
4 Sincerely,
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Lando W. Zec Jr.
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Enclosures:
] 1. Scope of Referral 1
- 2. NUREG-1310 9
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SCOPE OF REFERRAL Working with the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), develop a definition of discrete sources of naturally occurring and accelerator-produced radioactive materials (NARM) that might be regulated by the Federal Government.
Where Federal jurisdiction already exists over aspects of discrete sources of NARM, characterize the nature of the public health and safety or environmental concerns that are going unaddressed by Federal controls and make recommendations on how to remedy the situation.
Identify any gaps in Federal jurisdiction over discrete sources of NARM and characterize the public health and safety or environmental cencerns associated with those discrete sources.
To the extent the concerns identified abovo rise to a level deserving of Congressional action, recommend which Federal agency or agencies might seek legislative authority to regulate various aspecta of those discrete sources of NARM.
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