Evaluation of docket files for terminated special nuclear material licenses

Terminated special nuclear material licenses from docket files of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have been evaluated with respect to the potential for residual radiological health problems. Some 668 special nuclear material docket files sent from the Federal Repository for NRC to Oak Ridge National Laboratory were evaluated. The files were inventoried, and a methodology was developed for evaluation of these files. The methodology included development of a combined analysis/computer input form. Pertinent data were abstracted from each file, placed on this form, and entered into a private-access computer file. At the same time, analysts using screening criteria made a preliminary categorization of the files. All files categorized initially as potential radiological health problems were reviewed in depth to arrive at a final categorization. Criteria for judgment included quantities of special nuclear material (/sup 235/U, /sup 239/Pu, etc.) going to and leaving the site in question during the operational lifetime of the site, disposition of radioactive material not leaving the site, types of operations carried on at the site during the licensed period, radiotoxicity of the radioactive material involved, and the physicochemical forms of products and wastes involved. In the final analysis, 54 dockets were identified as having potential formore » residual radiological health problems. 13 refs., 9 figs., 10 tabs.« less