No PDF currently available.
Summary: Uranium mills which have closed down have left wastes known as uranium mill tailings which may constitute a health hazard. The proposed "Residual Radioactive Materials Act of 1978" would provide for a joint Federal/State program for cleaning up mill tailings sites. Factors to be considered are: the degree of hazard, the necessity of the cleanup program for nuclear power development, possible uses of the sites, Federal Government responsibility, costs, availability of technologies, and other nuclear waste cleanup. Advantages of a cleanup program are: reducing a possible health hazard, taking a first step toward resolving radioactive waste disposal, and improving property values of the sites and surrounding areas. Disadvantages are: the estimated cost of up to $126 million, the precedent established for the Federal Government to pay such costs, and the lack of fully developed technology. The proposed legislation could accomplish the objective of cleaning up the sites and protecting the public's interest, but the following areas require clarification: there is no time limit on States' participation, some sites are excluded, some sites will not have to be owned by the State or the Federal Government, division of costs is not clear, and certain provisions for congressional control are lacking. The Congress should endorse the legislation with amendments to correct deficiencies.
