ML20248A038
| ML20248A038 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Saxton File:GPU Nuclear icon.png |
| Issue date: | 04/06/1989 |
| From: | Stello V NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Shuster B HOUSE OF REP. |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20248A041 | List: |
| References | |
| CCS, NUDOCS 8904100128 | |
| Download: ML20248A038 (3) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION c
h WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 o
e April 6, 1989 The Honorable Bud Shuster United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman Shuster:
This is in res3onse to your letter of March 1,1989, in which you expressed concern over tie cancer incidence in the Saxton, Pennsylvania area. You also requested copies of studies relating cancer incidence to possible releases of radioactive materials from the Saxton nuclear plant and the results of water, soil and air testing completed in the vicinity of that facility.
The only study spect fically addressing the cancer incidence in the Saxton, i
Pennsylvania area, that we are aware of, is a review performed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 1980, which found no indication of an abnormally high incidence of cancer. is their summary of findings in this study.
The National Cancer Institute is currently performing a study entitled " Cancer Mortality in the Environs of Nuclear Facilities." This study will attempt to compare cancer mortality among populations living in counties with nuclear facilities with cancer mortality among populations living in counties with similar characteristics but without nuclear facilities. is the study protocol. is a copy of Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corporation report entitled
" Radiological and Environmental Monitoring Programs:
1982 through 1987." This report contains the results cf the tests that you requested.
The Saxton plant operated from 1962 to 1972 as a research reactor.
The plant's fuel core was removed from the site in 1972 and several buildings in the plant are currently being decontaminated.
In November 1988, Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspectors performed an unannounced inspection to review the building release survey program. is a copy of the inspection report.
During this inspection, slightly elevated levels of radioactivity in soil were identified outside the facility fence. Although the radiation levels were considerably below the limits for continuous occupancy in unrestricted areas, the contaminated soil was excavated ard is stored in a bunker on the Saxton site.
In spring or early summer 1989, depending on weather conditions, a comprehensive broad scope survey of the Saxton site will be performed to identify other areas of potential contamination.
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8904100128 890406 COMMS NRCC PDR CORRESPONDENCE PDC
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y The' Honorable Bud Shuster 2
i I hope that this letter is responsive to your concern.
If you have any further questions or would like additional information, please let us know.
Sincerely, l
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Victor Stello, Jr:;/
Executive Director for Operations
Enclosures:
1.-
Sunnary of Findings by Pennsylvania Department of Health 2.
Study Protocol 3.
.Saxton Nuclear Experimental
-Corporation-Report 4.
NRC Inspection Report l
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April 6,1989 i
The Honorable Bud Shuster United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman Shuster:
This is in response to your letter of March 1,1989, in which you expressed concern over the cancer incidence in the Saxton, Pennsylvania area. You also requested copies of studies relating cancer incidence to assible releases of radioactive materials from the Saxton nuclear plant and i:
results of water, soil and air testing completed in the vicinity of that fac. ity.
The only study specifically addressing the cancer incidence in the Saxton, Pennsylvania area, that we are aware of, is a review performed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 1980, which found no indication of an abnormally high incidence of cancer. Enclosure 1 is their summary of findings in this study.
The National Cancer Institute is currently performing a study entitled " Cancer Mortality in the Environs of Nuclear Facilities." This study will attempt to compare cancer mortality among populations living in counties with nuclear facilities with cancer mortality among populations living in counties with similar characteristics but without nuclear facilities. Enclosure 2 is the study protocol. is a copy of Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corporation report entitled
" Radiological and Environmental Monitoring Programs: 1982 through 1987." This
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