Re: Radioactivity from burning coal

[JMUCKERHEIDE@delphi.com]

Shelly Rosenblum writes,
 
>           Regarding release of radionuclides to the air pathway from coal 
>           burning:
>           
>           EPA examined the need to regulate coal fired boilers with a 
>           Radionuclide NESHAP, back when the rules were originally 
>           promulgated in the late 80's.  It was determined that the 
>           emissions control devices already required for these sources, 
>           controlled emissions to the degree that the 10mrem/yr standard 
>           would be met, therefore, EPA declined to regulate this source.
>           
>           Shelly Rosenblum
>           Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
>           EPA / Region 9

Seemed to me that the primary "technical" issue was the political response
by the coal interests, including the powerful senator from WV, and being
under the Reagan administration, that caused EPA to refine its "analysis". 

If it had just been the administration we would probably see the same result 
as we see with the bureaucracy "reconsidering" dioxin as a health threat
today. 

Since dealing with EPA results and "reanalysis" starting in the mid- late
'70s, the policy issues are always driven by EPA political determinations of 
targets of opportunity. If the coal interests were not so powerful, I expect 
that the anti-nuclear cause of this administration might have re-opened this 
one also. 

Has has been stated in this forum previously by EPA and ex-EPA technical
professionals, EPA's answers are driven by the social scientists, english
majors and lawyers in the high levels of the permanent bureaucracy, and the
consultants they can hire with EPA funding (in my experience sometimes
having to go to several before getting the "right" answers), rather than
technical merits. 

Regards, Jim