Cleaning Up Commingled Uranium Mill Tailings: Is Federal Assistance Necessary?
EMD-79-29
Published: Feb 05, 1979. Publicly Released: Feb 05, 1979.
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Highlights
Until recently, commingled uranium mill tailings were believed to be of such low radiation that they were not considered harmful to the public. As a result, the tailings were often left in uncontrolled piles. Recent concern about the possible adverse effects of low-level radiation over long periods of time prompted the request that GAO determine whether federal assistance should be provided to active mills to clean up the mill tailings.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In order to ensure that the uranium mill tailings are controlled in a safe and environmentally sound manner, Congress should provide assistance to the active mill owners to share in the cost of cleaning up that portion of the commingled mill tailings that were generated under federal contracts. These are the tailings for which the federal government has a strong moral responsibility. | When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. | |
| Congress should consider having the federal government assist those mill owners who acted in good faith in meeting all legal requirements pertaining to stabilization of the mill tailings that were generated for commercial purposes and for which the federal government, through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is now requiring retroactive stabilization. | When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. | |
| Congress should make clear that assistance to mill owners establishes no precedent for the federal government assuming the financial responsibility of cleaning up other non-federal nuclear facilities and wastes, including those mill tailings generated after the date the federal government notified industry that the tailings should be controlled. | When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. |
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Environmental legislationEnvironmental policiesRadiation safetyRadioactive pollutionRadioactive waste disposalRadioactive wastesUraniumWaste managementFederal assistance programsNuclear energy