This letter did not originate from a KAPL survey of worker areas because of concern about employee exposures. That never happened at any time at KAPL. This letter was for a more important political mission. The purpose of this letter to McKee, which no one, except management, was supposed to see, was intended to jack up the reputation James McHugh, the newly appointed Manager of Health Physics at KAPL. This was necessary since McHugh had no training in, knowledge of, or expertise in the Health Physics field of technology.
(518) 393-6611 TWX 710-442-2979
4 May 1984
Admiral K. R. McKee, USN
NAVSEA 08
Naval Sea Syatems Command
Washington, D.C. 20362
Subject: Recent Finds of Historic Contamination at the Knolls Site
Dear Admiral:
Within the last month, over 100 finds of historic contamination have been made by radiological controls technicians. Once identified, the contamination is removed or properly marked. Ths represents the largest number of such finds in a one month period in recent history. Our success in finding these isolated spots of low level activity is attributable to three principal factors:
1. Extensive and expanded use of direct probe survey techniques in lieu of swipe surveys;
2. Management encouragement of radiological controls technician effort to find and identify all locations with historic contamination;
3. Rotation of radiological controls technicians from one area to another area to allow a fresh look in different locations.
We intend to continue to aggressively seek out and stabilize all locations of historic contamination which have not been detected or properly identified.
I understand that this does not relieve me of the responsibility for seeing that the necesary corrective action is taken on any items as required.
Very truly yours,
J. A. McHugh, Manager
RADIATION, HEALTH AND ENIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Distribution: NR - KR McKe, JJ Mangeno
SNR - BM Erickson, DJ Hamilla
KAPL - AE Kakretz
/kes