U.S. Department of Energy

Announces Public Scoping Meeting

DOE Initiates "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement" on Scrap Metals Recycling – You Are Invited to Attend a Public Scoping Meeting and/or Submit Comments

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced its intent to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) that will evaluate policy alternatives for the disposition of scrap metals that may have residual surface radioactivity (66 Federal Register 36562, July 12, 2001 – searchable on the Internet at the following address:

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=01-17438-filed.pdf

In addition to the No Action Alternative (continue DOE’s current suspension on unrestricted release for recycling of scrap metals from radiological areas), DOE has initially selected the following alternatives for evaluation: (1) unrestricted release for recycling of scrap metals under requirements in DOE Order 5400.5, (2) unrestricted release for recycling of scrap metals under alternative standards, and (3) no unrestricted release for recycling of scrap metals with potential for residual surface radioactivity.

The public is invited to comment on the scope of this PEIS, including the alternatives and significant environmental issues. Comments may be submitted in writing, through September 10, 2001, or at any of the public scoping meetings listed. An additional opportunity for public comment will be provided when the Draft PEIS is issued. Requests for further information should be submitted to addresses below.

Mail to:

Mr. Kenneth G. Picha, Jr.

Office of Technical Program Integration, EM-22

ATTN: Metals Disposition PEIS

Email to:

Metals.Disposition.PEIS@em.doe.gov

Fax to:

Office of Environmental Management Metals Disposition PEIS at

U.S. Department of Energy 301-903-9770

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20585-0113

Schedule of Public Scoping Meetings

Date Time Location Address

July 31 2-5pm and 8-11pm North Augusta, SC N. Augusta Community Ctr. 495 Brookside Ave., North Augusta, SC 29841

Aug 2 2-5pm and 8-11pm Oak Ridge, TN American Museum of Science and Energy 300 South Tulane Ave., Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Aug 7 2-5pm and 8-11pm Oakland, CA Holiday Inn Oakland Airport Hotel 500 Hegenberger Road, Oakland, CA 94621

Aug 9 2-5pm and 8-11pm Richland, WA Red Lion Hotel, 802 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352

Aug 14 2-5pm and 8-11pm Cincinnati, OH Omni Netherland Plaza Hotel, 35 West Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Aug 16 2-5pm and 8-11pm Washington, D.C. Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202

NOTE: At 1:00 and 7:00pm prior to each meeting, an information/open house will be offered to persons interested in radiation fundamentals, including sources and health effects, not specifically related to metal recycling.