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Accident at Three Mile Island: how ORNL responded

Journal Article · · Oak Ridge Natl. Lab. Rev.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5488029
When the accident occurred on March 28, 1979, at the Three Mile island nuclear power facility, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) staff members became aware of the situation through various means of communication. When the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) met several days later it was determined that nuclear expertise was needed at Three Mile Island. At this point a number of ORNL staff members were contacted by NRC officials, who knew of the special skills available in ORNL's multidisciplinary research and development setting. ORNL responded by sending the first team to Three Mile Island within hours of the request to do offsite radiological monitoring. Other ORNL staff provided on-site technical support in the areas of chemical engineering, and instrumentation and diagnostics during the weeks that followed. The problem-solving of the various teams is outlined in this article. The uniqueness of the concentration of scientists with great expertise in specialized areas and their willingness and eagerness to respond to an emergency is discussed. (SAC)
OSTI ID:
5488029
Journal Information:
Oak Ridge Natl. Lab. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Oak Ridge Natl. Lab. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 12:4; ISSN ORNRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English