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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL- PROTECTION AGENCY
/.	E P A?3 35
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1S& Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY, JULY 16, 1976
COPIES AVAILABLE OF EPA'S REVIEW OF REACTOR SAFETY STUDY
Copies are now available of the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency's review of the final Reactor Safety Study - An
Assessment of Accident Risks in U.S. Commercial Nuclear Plants
(WASH-1400), commonly referred to as the Rasmussen Study.
Although the findings were made public in Congressional testi-
mony on June 11, 1976, copies are now available for distribu-
EPA sees the Study as a major advance in the risk assess-
ment of nuclear power reactors. At the same time, the Agency
criticized the Study by stating that the report failed to
adequately address the health effects expected during and
following an accident, the assumptions regarding evacuation
as a remedial measure were not consistent with current emergency
response planning practice, and the consequences of the release
of radioactive materials into the environment have been under-
estimated.
EPA also recommended that this type of analysis be expanded
to evaluate other aspects of accidents from nuclear power. The
Agency pointed out that the Rasmussen Study estimates apply only
Casey (202) 755-0344
tion
(more)
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EPA FORM 1510-1 (REV. 8-72)
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to the first 100 light-water reactors and to operation over
the next five years and only deals with major accidental
releases.
Copies of the EPA comments may be obtained by writing to
the Office of Radiation Programs (AW-459), USEPA, 401 M Streetr
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460 or by calling (202) 755-4362.
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