Re: ALARA - What is it Worth?

[rkathren@tricity.wsu.edu (Ron L. Kathren)]

ALARA may be the law (actually a regulation) but it is still a concept
(actually, might even be considered an ideal -- I have even pointed out that
you can never achieve ALARA because as soon as you think you are there, you
have to look further to reduce doses even more and hence it is the
unreachable quest), as underscored by Gerry's comment about what R
(reasonable) is.  Although I am not trained in law, I suspect that the
courts would conclude that 10CFR.20.1101.b and similar reguations, both
federal and state, are unnecessarily vague.  Is anyone out there aware of
any court cases or legal opinions re ALARA?

Ron Kathren 

At 06:51 AM 12/11/97 -0600, Gerry W. Kindred wrote:
>gwkindred@centerior.com
>
>ALARA is not a concept.  A concept is an abstract notion 
>(according to Webster).  Referring to ALARA as a "concept"
>reduces the importance of the acronym.  ALARA is the law!
>At least for those folks under the auspices of the Code of
>Federal Regulations.  Specifically, 10CFR20.1101.b; where
>it reads; The licensee shall use, to the extent practicable, 
>procedures and engineering controls based upon sound 
>radiation protection principles to achieve occupatinal doses 
>and doses to members of the public that are as low as is 
>reasonably achievable (ALARA).  
>
>In my opinion disagreements and/or confusion is with the 
>real meaning of R.  What is reasonable!  What is the real
>monetary value that can be reasonably associated with the
>cost that a company is willing to spend to avoid a preson-rem
>of radiation dose?  ALARA does not mean avoiding all
>radiation exposure.  What is the value placed on a person-rem
>based on?  Please share your thoughts.
>
>Gerry W. Kindred
>Perry Nuclear Power Plant
>Perry, Ohio     USA      
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