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DOE Seeks Comment on Scrap Metals Release

Oct. 10, 2000

The Department of Energy has begun a public comment period\r\nfor directives governing the release of potentially contaminate\r\nmaterials.

EHS Today Staff

The Department of Energy (DOE) has begun a public comment period for directives governing the release of potentially contaminate materials.

This follows the announcement July 13, that the department would suspend release of scrap metals for recycling from radiological areas until new directives are in place.

The directives would require DOE to ensure that potentially contaminated materials are properly inspected before being considered for release from DOE sites.

They would also require DOE sites to involve the local public in the decision making process.

Under the directives, scrap metal would not be released for recycling if they contain detectable radioactive contamination. Likewise, recordkeeping associated with materials would be improved, said DOE.

The United Steelworkers of American (USWA) praised DOE for the proposed criteria .

USWA President George Becker said that the union will review the proposals carefully and submit any suggested improvements by the Dec. 4 deadline for comments.

Proposed changes to DOE Order 5400.5, "Radiation Protection for the Public and Environment," are available on www.eh.doe.gov.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.