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Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

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S , STATE OF NEW JERSEY Dr. Heath -2- June 29, 1979<br />

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIROMENTAI. PROTECTION<br />

2 DOANIEL J. O'HERN, COMMISSIONER<br />

P. O. BOX 1390<br />

June 29, 1979<br />

TRENTON,N.J. 0625<br />

6092-2Z28865<br />

are superior to the new language:<br />

"...near-term program activities should be predicated on<br />

the tentative assumption made for interim planning<br />

purposes that the first disposal facilities will be<br />

mined repositories."<br />

Dr. Collin A. Heath The kindest thing that can be said about the second statement<br />

Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>Waste</strong> Isolation is that it is weak and indecisive. In any case, it is not representa-<br />

Mail Stop B-107 tive <strong>of</strong> the positive leadership this country needs in resolving the<br />

U.S. Department <strong>of</strong> Energy issue <strong>of</strong> radioactive waste disposal.<br />

Washington, D.C. 20545<br />

It is necessary to continue R&D in other means <strong>of</strong> radioactive<br />

Dear Dr. Heath: waste disposal as an alternative <strong>of</strong> mined repositories develop more<br />

problems than their competitors. Eventually, a superior method may<br />

The State <strong>of</strong> New Jersey has reviewed DOE/EIS-0046-D, the Draft be found. In the meantime, it is essential to develop an operational<br />

Environmental Impact Statement: <strong>Management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commercially</strong> <strong>Generated</strong> facility. The discussion in 1.1.1 shows a much more pragmatic approach.<br />

<strong>Radioactive</strong> <strong>Waste</strong>. The sheer volume <strong>of</strong> the report is indicative <strong>of</strong> It is stated that the first thousand years <strong>of</strong> disposal are most critical<br />

the thorough examination <strong>of</strong> the issue <strong>of</strong> radioactive waste disposal and that, based on our own knowledge <strong>of</strong> the languages <strong>of</strong> earlier investiwhich<br />

is being pursued by federal agencies, especially the Department gations, it is reasonable to expect that the inhabitants <strong>of</strong> earth will<br />

<strong>of</strong> Energy. Careful examination <strong>of</strong> the volumes shows the thorough recognize repository markers for millenia.<br />

study which has gone into this issue and the painstaking detail with<br />

which the nuclear fuel cycle and its relation to the generation <strong>of</strong> The relative toxicity <strong>of</strong> plutonium and lead, discussed on page<br />

radioactive waste have been studied. The various forms <strong>of</strong> waste 3.1.65 should be more widely promulgated. Although it does not mean<br />

(glass, ceramics, etc.) are also reviewed in extensive detail, that concern for plutonium be reduced, it does put the problem in<br />

better perspective.<br />

And yet, what is the subject <strong>of</strong> the report? It is essential<br />

that a hazardous substance; namely radioactive waste, be isolated On page 3.1.75, it is stated that "The majority <strong>of</strong> nuclear wastes<br />

from the environment. Perhaps there are ten methods available, as are residuals from defense programs." Is this a measurement <strong>of</strong> volume,<br />

described in the present document, or by a slightly different which could be reduced by evaporation, or is the measurement based on<br />

classification system, six, as described in the Interagency Review curies <strong>of</strong> activity?<br />

Group (IRG) Reports, the State's review <strong>of</strong> which was transmitted<br />

December 4, 1978. Many <strong>of</strong> the comments which applied to the IRG This report, like the many which have preceded it, indicates<br />

Reports apply to the present volumes, that a large body <strong>of</strong> knowledge <strong>of</strong> how to treat radioactive wastes<br />

exists now. All <strong>of</strong> the problems haven't been solved but it is<br />

We would recommend that the errata sheet which replaces page 1.3 unlikely that much more will be learned until large scale pilot<br />

,be disposed <strong>of</strong> and the original page reinstated. In particular, the projects are begun. The position <strong>of</strong> the State <strong>of</strong> New.Jersey is that<br />

>riginal words: now is the time to begin construction <strong>of</strong> such pilot projects, and as<br />

soon as feasible, a full-scale radioactive waste depository. It may<br />

"The first disposal facilities for HLW will be mined be that the best type <strong>of</strong> facility and waste form will not be used<br />

repositories. Several geologic environments possessing but it would be best to begin work wit he second or third best<br />

a wide variety <strong>of</strong> emplacement media should be examined." types now then to put this problem <strong>of</strong> indefinitely<br />

100% RECYCLED<br />

Ve uly yours,<br />

Lawrence Schmidt, Chief<br />

Office <strong>of</strong> Environmental Review

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