A step towards independent, off-site, real-time Radiological Monitoring!
On February 7, 2019, testimony was heard before the Health & Human Services Committee to discuss SENATE BILL 181-FN, an act requiring monitoring of certain radioactive air pollutants near the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant.
This bill adds a new section after RSA 125-C:21 requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a network of stations to monitor radioactive airborne material, determine the extent of radiation doses received by humans and animal life, and share information with other agencies as the Commissioner deems appropriate. The bill also requires the Department every six months to publicly publish a summary of the information collected. The Department notes there are currently two air monitoring stations, one in Portsmouth and one in Concord, which are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Department assumes it would install six stations for the purposes of the bill at a cost of approximately $3,500 for each station. The Department states a new full-time Laboratory Scientist III position at labor grade 20 step 5 would need to be hired to manage the devices, collect data, complete analysis, and compile semi-annual reports. Position cost estimates include salary, benefits, travel, office space, and a one-time expense in FY 2020 for equipment.
SAPL director, Doug Bogen was one of the speakers (1:23:50) and SAPL president, Herb Moyer filmed the hearing, which you can view below:
BILL SPONSORS
Sen. Sherman, Dist 24; Sen. Morgan, Dist 23; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 21; Rep.
Somssich, Rock. 27; Rep. Cushing, Rock. 21; Rep. Janvrin, Rock. 37; Rep. K.
Murray, Rock. 24; Rep. Bushway, Rock. 21
COMMITTEE: Health and Human Services
COST ESTIMATES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Total cost estimates provided by the Department for the position, technology, and maintenance
are the following:
- Expenditure Type FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
- Laboratory Scientist III (LG 20 Step 5) $94,000 $94,000 $97,000 $99,000
- Six Stations $21,000 – – –
- Client Licenses $15,000 – – –
- Software Integration $15,000 – – –
- Annual Maintenance $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
- Total Costs $155,000 $104,000 $107,000 $109,000
SPEAKERS
- Michelle Roberge, Lou Barinelli NH Division of Public Health Services
Department of Health & Human Services - Rep. Peter Somssich
- Rep. Renny Cushing
- Former Rep. Mindi Messmer
- Mehan Lahey & Dave Robinson Next ERA (Seabrook Nuclear Plant)
- Natalie Hildt Treat – Exec. Dir. C-10 Research & Education Foundation https://www.c-10.org/
- Doug Bogen – Exec. Dir. Seacoast Anti-Pollution League (SAPL) https://saplnh.org