“Ony Po ran oF _ ACE46S aA Discussion of Questions by Senator cravel y 968 Question| It seems that the AEC is responsible only for the dilution of contaminants, but that no one is responsible for controlling or even for keeping track -or the Cotul amounts of radioactivity ereated and releused to the environment. ‘ Is this true? Does anyone know to what extent muin-made radioactivity has already contuminated this planet? Is there an inventory of the total number of curies from all sources and for all purposes? _ Can anyone estimate, for instance, how many curies were created cy Americans in 1968? Answer Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the Atomic Energy Commission is responsible for assuring that all of its activities are carried out in such a way that the health and safety of the public is protected. The Act provides that tne Commission shall regulate the possession, use and transfer of source, byproduct and special nuclear materials and the construction and operation of nuclear facilities (such 2s nuclear power reactors and irradiated fuel reprocessing plants), in accordance with safety standards established by rule, regulation or order of the Commission. The Act prohibits the possession, use and transfer of such materials except as authorized by license issued by the Commission or by exemption from liceasing requirements. ABO regulations governing the issuance of a license to possess, uss and transfer byproduct miterial are set forth in 10 CFR Perts 30-36; for source material and Part 40; for special nuclear materiel Part 70 and for nuclear facilities Part 50, Licensees are subject not only to safety re- quirements set forth in their licenses but also te goneral health and safety