Re: coordination with NRC - opinion

[Timothy A Walker <walkert@battelle.org>]

     On Monday 26 Aug 96, slaback @micf.nist.gov, indicated that there may 
     be a regulatory void between non-power licensees and the NRC (or other 
     regulatory agency).  It was suggested that individual licensees form 
     groups to fill the void and have more positive control over the 
     influences outside their individual organizations.
     
     Groups like this do exist and I can attest to the value derrived as a 
     member of The Ohio Radioactive Materials Users Group (ORMUG).  ORMUG 
     is an organization of NRC licensees, state registrants, and NORM users 
     primarily from Ohio and other Midwest Compact states.  Our membership 
     comes from universities, nuclear power plants, hospitals, 
     manufacturers, consultants, and R&D facilities and not all members are 
     HP's.
     
     While we are primarily a technical group, we have had serious 
     participation in regulatory/political issues such as BRC, Low-level 
     Waste legislation, rule review committees, and Federal Register 
     proposed rule-making comments.  We also sponsor a one-day seminar 
     every fall (Nov. 6 this year) which brings together regulators and 
     licensees for presentations that culminate in a round-table discussion 
     with audience participation.
     
     Keep in mind, however, that ORMUG has been "in business" since 1983 
     and the development of a group like this is difficult.  There are 
     other similar organizations in the country such as CALRAD Forum and 
     ACURI.  If individual licensees are interested in gaining the benefits 
     of an organization without going to the trouble of starting their own, 
     I reccommend contacting one of these groups.  I can provide contact 
     information to interested parties. Please e-mail me directly, not 
     radsafe!
     
     Tim Walker
     
     walkert@battelle.org
     
     All Standard Disclaimers Apply