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Additional Questions of Mr. Forsythe and Answered by Department of Energy 



Question 1 It is our understanding that DOE has recently cancelled or 



is planning to cancel its research programs dealing with low- 

 level radioactive waste disposal in the ocean. For example, 

 one program is a joint DOE/EPA project run from the Narragansett 

 Lab that is trying to determine the biological effects of 

 FUSRAP soils on marine organisms. 



Is this information correct? If so, what is the Justification 

 for your decision? 



What does this mean in terms of DOE's position on radwaste 

 disposal at sea? 



Answer ; DOE has been funding studies for several years to examine the 



feasibility of ocean disposal for low activity waste from the 



Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Project (FUSRAP). The 



focus of this activity has been the waste material at Middlesex, 



New Jersey, due to its proximity to ocean ports. DOE's activities 



have been closely coordinated with ocean disposal work sponsored 



by EPA in order that the results of our studies could be utilized 



as additional input to RPA modeling and hazard assessment activities. 



DOE's studies have been specifically directed toward identifying 

 practical solutions for FUSRAP waste disposal, rather than toward 

 performing generic R&D. With the passage of amendments to the 

 Maritime Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act in P.L. 97-424, 

 a 2-year moratorium was placed on consideration of ocean disposal 

 permits. All permits will now require specific congressional 

 approval of a Radioactive Material Disposal Impact Assessment. 

 Approval of the impact assessment will be followed by passage in 

 90 days of a joint congressional resolution to approve any recom- 

 mendation by EPA for issuance of a specific permit. These require- 

 ments substantially reduce the viability of ocean disposal as a 

 practical, near-term alternative for FUSRAP waste. 



