NRC Generic Letter 1988-04

NRC Generic Letter 1988-004: Distribution of Gems Irradiated in Research Reactors. (See Also Generic Letter 1986-011, Dated 06/25/1986)

ML031150329
Person / Time
Site:	Beaver Valley, Millstone, Hatch, Monticello, Calvert Cliffs, Dresden, Davis Besse, Peach Bottom, Browns Ferry, Salem, Oconee, Mcguire, Nine Mile Point, Palisades, Palo Verde, Perry, Indian Point, Fermi, Kewaunee, Catawba, Harris, Wolf Creek, Saint Lucie, Point Beach, Oyster Creek, Watts Bar, Hope Creek, Grand Gulf, Cooper, Sequoyah, Byron, Pilgrim, Arkansas Nuclear, Braidwood, Susquehanna, Summer, Prairie Island, Columbia, Seabrook, Brunswick, Surry, Limerick, North Anna, Turkey Point, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, Haddam Neck, Ginna, Diablo Canyon, Callaway, Vogtle, Waterford, Duane Arnold, Farley, Robinson, Clinton, South Texas, San Onofre, Cook, Comanche Peak, Yankee Rowe, Maine Yankee, Quad Cities, Humboldt Bay, La Crosse, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Zion, Midland, Bellefonte, Fort Calhoun, FitzPatrick, McGuire, LaSalle, 05000000, Zimmer, Fort Saint Vrain, Washington Public Power Supply System, Shoreham, Satsop, Trojan, Atlantic Nuclear Power Plant, Clinch River, Crane
Issue date:	02/23/1988
From:	Cunningham R E, Miraglia F J NRC/NMSS/IMNS, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
GL-86-011 GL-88-004, NUDOCS 8802250195
Download: ML031150329 (3)

OIL REG&,° UNITED STATESNUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D. C. 20555FEBRUARY 23, 1988TO ALL NON-POWER REACTOR LICENSEESGentlemen:SUBJECT: DISTRIBUTION OF GEMS IRRADIATED IN RESEARCH REACTORS (GENERIC LETTER88-04; SEE ALSO GENERIC LETTER 86-11, DATED JUNE 25, 1986)On June 25, 1986, we notified ycu that research reactor licensees might beirradiating and distributing products containing induced radioactivity tounlicensed persons in violation of NRC regulations. We noted that 10 CFRSection 30.14 prohibits introduction of byproduct material into a product fordistribution to an unlicensed person, unless the distributor has a specificlicense issued pursuant to 10 CFR Section 32.11 which permits such distribution.We also noted that due to a lona-standing policy against radioactive toys,novelties, and adornments, the staff has not granted licenses for distributionof irradiated gems or similar materials.Throughout 1986 and 1987, we have received numerous inquiries from licenseesand others, requesting that NRC take a definitive position with respect toneutron-irradiated gems such as topaz. These persons reported that largequantities of irradiated topaz are on the United States retail market fromboth foreign and domestic sources. They requested that, in the interest offairness and consistency, as well as protection of the public health, NRCexpeditiously resolve the issue.Applications will now be considered for interim licenses authorizing thedistribution of neutron-irradiated gems, particularly topaz, to unlicensedpersons pursuant to 10 CFR Section 32.11. The NRC will also develop a policywhich recognizes the existence of radiation doses and risks which are too lowto justify regulation to protect public health and safety. Based on this policy,specific regulations will be developed for classes of radioactive materialssuch as irradiated gems. The interim licenses, if granted, will not besubject to the prohibition against distribution of products intended forapplication to a human being. However, license applications must meet theother requirements of 10 CFR Sections 32.11, 30.14, and 30.70. Theradioactivity concentration limit for any single radionuclide is given inSchedule A of 10 CFR Section 30.70. The limit applicable for multipleradionuclides may be calculated using the method specified in Note 2 of 10 CFRSection 30.70.The interim licenses will authorize distribution of cut, finished gems only,because the potential for occupational radiation exposures associated withcutting and grinding gems is much higher than for normal consumer use.License applications must-describe the proposed methods for identification andmeasurements of the radionuclides in the gems, and the quality controlprocedures for assuring that all gems released to the public are below thelimits specified in 10 CFR Section 30.70.88022501 5 Multiple Addresses -2 -The NRC staff is aware that neutron-irradiated topaz has been imported intothe United States which contains radioactivity above the limits specified in10 CFR Sections 30.14 and 30.70. Accordingly, consistent with the requirementsof 10 CFR Section 32.11, the staff plans to control distribution of irradiatedgems at the source and, thus, envisions two principal groups of applicants fordistribution licenses, i.e., domestic reactors and initial importers. Bothgroups will be subject to similar regulatory requirements.Those reactor licensees who are currently distributing, or intend to distributeirradiated gemstones to unlicensed persons must obtain a license whichspecifically authorizes this activity. Applications for distribution licensesshould be submitted with proper fee (see 10 CFR Part 170) to:U.S. Nuclear Regulatory CommissionDivision of Industrial and Medical Nuclear SafetyWashington, DC 20555Persons (such as secondary distributors and individual consumers) who receivegems from an NRC-licensed distributor do not need a license. Only the initialdistributor in the United States must be licensed pursuant to 10 CFRSection 32.11.This letter is for information only and does not require a response. Thosepersons who are currently irradiatino and/or distributing irradiated gemstonesshould immediately contact the NRC Division of Industrial and Medical NuclearSafety to discuss current and planned activities so that a determination canbe made on the course of action that should be taken. Questions concerningNRC distribution licenses may be directed to Michael Lamastra (301-492-0639).Questions concerning non-power reactor licenses may be directed to LesterRubenstein (301-492-1118). Questions concerning license fees may be directedto Glenda Jackson (301-492-8740).Frank a, ssocate Directorfor rojectsOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationRichard E. Cunningham, DirectorDivision of Industrial andMedical Nuclear SafetyOffice of Nuclear MaterialSafety and Safeguards Multiple Addresses-2 -The NRC staff is aware that neutron-irradiated topaz has been imported intothe United States which contains radioactivity above the limits specified in10 CFR Sections 30.14 and 30.70. Accordingly, consistent with the requirementsof 10 CFR Section 32.11, the staff plans to control distribution of irradiatedgems at the source and, thus, envisions two principal groups of applicants fordistribution licenses, i.e., domestic reactors and initial importers. Bothgroups will be subject to similar regulatory requirements.Those reactor licensees who are currently distributing, or intend to distributeirradiated gemstones to unlicensed persons must obtain a license whichspecifically authorizes this activity. Applications for distribution licensesshould be submitted with proper fee (see 10 CFR Part 170) to:U.S. Nuclear Regulatory CommissionDivision of Industrial and Medical Nuclear SafetyWashington, DC 20555Persons (such as secondary distributors and individual consumers) who receiveqems from an NRC-licensed distributor do not need a license. Only the initialdistributor in the United States must be licensed pursuant to 10 CFRSection 32.11.This letter is for information only and does not require a response. Thosepersons who are currently irradiating and/or distributing irradiated gemstonesshould immediately contact the NRC Division of Industrial and Medical NuclearSafety to discuss current and planned activities so that a determination canbe made on the course of action that should be taken. Questions concerningNRC distribution licenses may be directed to Michael Lamastra (301-492-0639).Questions concerning non-power reactor licenses may be directed to LesterRubenstein (301-492-1118). Questions concerning license fees may be directedto Glenda Jackson (301-492-8740).Origiiai a;gnea DyFrank J. Iftragj,Frank J. Miraglia, Associate Directorfor ProjectsOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationOriginal Signed byRichard E. CunninghamRichard E. Cunningham, DirectorDivision of Industrial andMedical Nuclear SafetyOffice of Nuclear Material8802250195 Safety and SafeguardsDISTRIBUTION:HSmith (orignial & 15)PDRPDSN:AAd dMf:cw02/ j&/88P4yL' 'h' einO2/MJ?/8AAdamsLRubensteinMLastraDC2 h/1/e8 d02/11/88DCrutchfield FM1iCThomas RCuiGJacksonC: S:E RR02y 8 024t/n 11/JI/leraqlianninghamraqliaYj88,5FCMACDRCunnii024kj /88