November 7, 1997
| MEMORANDUM TO: |
L. Joseph Callan Executive Director for Operations |
|
Karen D. Cyr, General Counsel |
| FROM: |
John C. Hoyle /s/ |
| SUBJECT: |
STAFF REQUIREMENTS: SECY-97-188 - FORMERLY LICENSED SITES IDENTIFIED
FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN AGREEMENT STATES |
The Commission approved the staff's proposal to revise its approach for follow-up on formerly licensed sites identified for
further investigation in Agreement States by discontinuing detailed reviews of license files and inspections for sites in
Agreement States, referring identified cases directly to Agreement States for follow-up investigation, and to hold the
Agreement States responsible for addressing remediation of those sites where excessive contamination is confirmed by
inspection (option 3). To minimize the reporting burden on the States, reports to the NRC on the status and closeouts of
such sites can be in the form of short summaries or copies of pertinent correspondence. However, the Commission believes
that State actions in these cases should not affect findings of adequacy under the Integrated Materials Performance
Evaluation Program unless there is a clear, significant threat to public health and safety resulting from the lack of
appropriate State action. The staff should make appropriate revisions to the proposed All Agreement States letter
addressing this subject.
|
(EDO) |
(SECY Suspense: 11/17/97) |
In parallel with implementing this decision, the staff is directed to work with the Agreement States to identify a mutually
acceptable mechanism to provide Federal assistance to the Agreement States, such as a general fund appropriation outside
the NRC fee base, in dealing with these cases. In that regard, the staff should consider how similar funding was made
available to Agreement States in the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 and seek input from the
Agreement States on the degree to which they would support such an "appropriated funds" approach. When providing to
the Commission any options that the NRC should consider in providing additional assistance to the Agreement States on
this issue, the staff should also provide any available information regarding the estimated number of sites and Agreement
States affected, typical regulatory efforts to ensure appropriate remediation and the associated costs, and any difficulties
experienced by NRC and the Agreement States in attempting to require further remediation of these sites.
|
(EDO/OGC) |
(SECY Suspense: 1/12/98) |
| cc: |
Chairman Jackson
Commissioner Dicus
Commissioner Diaz
Commissioner McGaffigan
CIO
CFO
OCA
OIG
Office Directors, Regions, ACRS, ACNW, ASLBP (by E-Mail)
PDR
DCS |
SECY NOTE: This SRM, SECY 97-188, and the Commission Voting Record will be
made publicly available 5 working days from the date of the final SRM.
