History, Charge and Term
In 1986, Maryland ratified the Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact (Chapter 33, Acts of 1986). Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia also have ratified the Compact. The Compact established the Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission to assure interstate cooperation for the proper disposal of low-level radioactive wastes.
The Commission identifies a host state (based on the volume and curie content of radioactive waste generated) to receive and dispose of radioactive waste from party states. Costs and benefits are distributed equitably among party states. After establishment of a regional facility, the Commission may ban wastes generated outside the region. The Commission designated Pennsylvania as a host state.
The Commission conducts research and recommends the establishment of regulations to reduce the volume of low-level radioactive waste. The Commission also prepares contingency plans in the event the regional facility is closed; collects fees from party states until the regional facility becomes available; and enters into temporary agreements for emergency disposal.
Appointed by the Governor, two members from Maryland along with two members from each party state serve on the Commission, as do four members from each host state. After the host state has selected a site for a regional facility, the governor from that state appoints to the Commission an additional member who is a resident of the county or municipality where the facility will be located. Based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Commission provides for its own organization and procedures, by-laws, rules, and regulations (Code Environment Article, Secs. 7-301 through 7-306).
Maryland Members Appointed by Governor
- MD Commission Member 1: Dr. Mary Beth Tung; (Edward Hammerberg, alternate).
- MD Commission Member 2: Dr. Clifford Mitchell; (Dr. Albert J. Romanosky, alternate).
Meeting Schedule
The Commission holds its annual meeting in November of each year. It also holds special or emergency meetings upon the call of the chair. Meetings are currently held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The current meeting schedule may be obtained from the Commission's web page.
Additional Information:
Additional information on the Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website.
MDE Contact
Edward Hammerberg, MDE/LMA, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore MD 21230, Ed.Hammerberg@maryland.gov, 410-537-3356, toll free in Maryland (800) 633-6101 ext. 3356.
