Question 1):

Answer:

Questions from Senator Domenici

Since your Office was established, has there been
any changes ir. DOE policy or line management with
respect to meeting Federal standards for
environment, safety and health?

Yes, there have been several changes in DOE policy
related to environment, safety and health matters since my
Office was established.

The Secretary's Environmental

Policy Statement of January 1986 reinforces the Department's
commitment to comply with applicable legal requirements.
In addition, it focuses on adherence to the spirit as
well as the letter of applicable statutes, regulations,
and standards; a commitment to risk minimization; and
consistency across all DOE operations in meeting our
environmental obligations. We have established an interim
policy on State regulation of radioactive mixed waste that
is designed to facilitate resolution of mixed waste issues.
In addition, where DOE determines that it is necessary to
send hazardous waste off-site for treatment, storage, and
disposal it is now DOE policy to send such waste to
facilities which have been identified by EPA or state regu-
latory agencies as suitable.

-2

Line management responsibility for conducting its activities in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, standards, and internal policies has not changed, but rather has been underscored by our recent initiatives. The steps taken to strengthen the DOE headquarters ES&H programs will serve to provide line management with increased technical support and more consistent policy guidance, and the Department with a more credible oversight and validation program in the area of ES&H performance.

Questions from Senator Domenici

Question 2:

Answer:

How strict are DOE's nuclear safety standards
in comparison to NRC's regulations?

DOE standards are fully comparable to those used by
the NRC. The basic Order that established the
Department's Environment, Safety, and Health Program
states that DOE's nuclear facilities will be sited,
designed, constructed, modified, operated, maintained,
and decommissioned in accordance with the standards,
guides, and codes that are applied to comparable
licensed facilities.

Questions from Senator Domenici

Question 2B:

Answer:

How strict are DOE's environmental standards in comparison to EPA's

In regard to non-radiological pollutants, DOE and NRC licensee facilities are subject to the same environmental laws and regulations whether at the Federal (EPA) or State level, and therefore, there are no differences in standards and requirements that DOE and private commercial facilities must meet. Compliance with such standards is set forth

in DOE Orders, in which the Department's

environmental standards are embodied. In addition

to providing verification to State and EPA
authorities, through permit documentation,
monitoring reports, and regulatory notifications,
the Department provides compliance oversight
through its field operations offices and its
Headquarters Office of Environment, Safety and
Health. With respect to hazardous waste
management, the management of waste consisting
solely of "source, special nuclear, or byproduct
material," as defined by the Atomic Energy Act, is
exempt from RCRA as provided in Section 1004(27).
Requirements for the management of this waste are
set forth in DOE Orders and consistent with
industry practice, as defined by national standards
organizations (NRC and EPA). For "mixed" hazardous
and radioactive waste, DOE has been working closely