Re: LLW status according to AP: a fair story

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@ix.netcom.com>]

Bernard Cohen stated:

> Is there any chance of going back to ocean dumping? That is
> really the best way. If you need technical back-up on this, let me know.

While this option is probably the most realistic choice, for many 
applications, I seriously doubt that we will ever see this option 
allowed. Seems like everybody is addressing clean water, clean air, 
clean this and that. The question is, at what cost?  And, are the 
desired results ever achieved, and more importantly, are they even 
warranted and scientifically valid?  We can all recall the issue with 
freon, ac units etc. My impression, from listening to the experts, is 
that freon fro automobile ac units were never a causal effect on 
ozone depletion, and not there is even talk of banning BBQ!!!!

As far as dumping in the ocean, what is the dilution capability, and 
over what time period? I recall one of my fellow grad students 
working on his thesis back in 1970 which dealt with measurements of 
disposed radioactive materials from area hospitals. The data 
demonstrated that the rad waste flowed thru the systems as a bolus, 
and did not dilute as expected. The data was such that based on the 
time of measurement (it was continuous monitoring) the actual 
hospital that released the material could be determined. Sounds like 
Big brother, doesn't it!

I for one would like to see some more info on the subject. Purely for 
edification.



------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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