Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations that govern the land disposal of low-level radioactive waste to expand regulatory coverage to include certain transuranic wastes. The rule also introduces a new risk-informed framework for low-level waste disposal in which sites can develop waste acceptance criteria based on site-specific characteristics rather than using prescriptive limits. The proposed rule would allow for a graded approach: facilities that do not plan to accept significant quantities of long-lived radionuclides or Greater-Than-Class C waste will only need to meet a streamlined set of requirements, while those managing these waste streams must conduct technical assessments to ensure long- term safety. The proposed rule would also introduce new options for disposal of higher concentrations of waste, providing new alternatives for safe low-level waste management. These innovations support public health and environmental protection, as well as safe disposal of low- level radioactive waste, encourage operational efficiency, and offer greater flexibility for both current and future disposal facilities. In addition, the NRC is issuing draft implementing guidance for public comment.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 10 CFR Parts 20, 61, 73, and 150 [NRC-2011-0012, NRC-2015-0003, and NRC-2017-0081] RIN 3150-AI92 ( printed page 40290) AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule and draft guidance; public meeting; request for comment. SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations that govern the land disposal of low-level radioactive waste to expand regulatory coverage to include certain transuranic wastes. The rule also introduces a new risk-informed framework for low-level waste disposal in which sites can develop waste acceptance criteria based on site-specific characteristics rather than using prescriptive limits. The proposed rule would allow for a graded approach: facilities that do not plan to accept significant quantities of long-lived radionuclides or Greater-Than-Class C waste will only need to meet a streamlined set of requirements, while those managing these waste streams must conduct technical assessments to ensure long-term safety. The proposed rule would also introduce new options for disposal of higher concentrations of waste, providing new alternatives for safe low-level waste management. These innovations support public health and environmental protection, as well as safe disposal of low-level radioactive waste, encourage operational efficiency, and offer greater flexibility for both current and future disposal facilities. In addition, the NRC is issuing draft implementing guidance…
Citation: 91 FR 40290
