Positions & Resolutions

Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc.

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CONFERENCE OF RADIATION CONTROL PROGRAM DIRECTORS, INC.

RESOLUTION

Relating to: Stray and Unwanted Radioactive Sources

WHEREAS: Responsibility for responding to radiation monitor alarms at scrap metal facilities, steel mills, incinerators, resource recovery units, transfer stations, other waste recycling facilities, and landfills falls to states;

WHEREAS: These stray and unwanted radioactive sources are comprised of Atomic Energy Act (AEA) and non-AEA materials; contaminated metal; lost, stolen, or abandoned devices; damage devices; radium dials, gauges, and other devices containing radium; and similar materials that are imported;

WHEREAS: The sources that are found could result in death, serious injury, or major property damage if unaddressed;

WHEREAS: The facilities that have installed radiation detectors have taken the lead on detecting and thus, removing these sources from the public domain;

WHEREAS: The sources have probably always been present in the waste stream, but due to preventive action taken by recycling facilities, they are now being found with greater frequency;

WHEREAS: It is not equitable to expect the recycling and other waste handling facilities to pay for disposal of sources which only entered their facilities as a result of prior mishandling of the source;

WHEREAS: State radiation control programs are the principle source of expertise and provide technical assistance to facilities in identifying options for recycling or ultimate disposition;

WHEREAS: CRCPD, in cooperation with federal agencies, recognized the importance of addressing this problem on a consistent national basis;

WHEREAS: CRCPD, in cooperation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Energy, has developed a comprehensive program to recycle or properly dispose of these sources;

WHEREAS: CRCPD, through piloting the program, has demonstrated that such an approach is feasible on a national level; and

WHEREAS: The benefits of a stray or unwanted (orphan) source program accrue to society as a whole;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That Congress appropriate dedicated funding for CRCPD to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from the General Fund as the most equitable way to allow CRCPD to implement this important radiation protection program on a national basis.

 

Approved by the CRCPD Membership May 12, 1999

 

Charles M. Hardin Executive Director