Re:Old EPA 15 mrem/year

["Zack Clayton" <zack.clayton@epa.state.oh.us>]

Zack Clayton
Ohio EPA - DERR
email:  zack.clayton@epa.state.oh.us
voice:  614-644-3066
fax:        614-460-8249

>>> Elizabeth Algutifan <elizabeth_algutifan@wssrap-host.wssrap.com> 10/22/99 09:28AM >>>
If EPA really considers 15 mrem "the same as" 20 mrem, then why are some sites
reporting NESHAPs doses out to five and six decimal places? Why not just say
zero? That certainly causes me to sit up and ask the question, "Then why am I
doing continuous air monitoring to see 1 mrem?" Doesn't make sense to me.

Elizabeth Algutifan,
Health Physicist
Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project
St. Charles, Missouri
Elizabeth_Algutifan@wssrap-host.wssrap.com 


Unfortunately, it doesn't have to make sense scientifically.  As much as I dislike the idea, the USEPA is driven much more by politics than by science.  Therefore, on issues with high hot button readings it is driven by politically correct ideology rather than demonstratable science.    In the early years this was often parallel.  Now the hot button issues are running counter to hard science and we are at one of those intersections of political policy vs. rational science policy.   (Notice how emotionally loaded those words are?)

End rant.

ZAC



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