The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is moving forward with a rulemaking on disposal of Greater Than Class C (GTCC) and transuranic (TRU) radioactive wastes, this week requesting public input for a regulatory basis that would help guide the process.
Commissioners first called for the regulatory basis in December 2015, after Texas inquired about licensing a facility in the state for disposal of GTCC, GTCC-like, and transuranic waste.
The document will address scientific, technical, and legal matters relevant to the rulemaking, which would establish a regulatory structure for disposal of GTCC and TRU waste via near-surface systems or other means beyond a deep geologic repository, according to a Federal Register notice published Wednesday. That could include criteria for licensing of disposal of such waste under the section of the Code of Federal Regulations that covers land disposal of radioactive waste.
The staff document would be due six months after publication of the NRC’s supplementary Part 61 rule update on low-level radioactive waste disposal, which is expected this spring.
The NRC is asking stakeholders to answer three questions to assist in development of the regulatory basis: What radionuclides must be considered for disposal of GTCC and transuranic wastes; How could disposal site safety and security be impacted by GTCC and transuranic wastes during the facility’s operational period; and how could those waste types impact the facility design for post-operations safety?
Comments are due by April 16. They can be submitted by the following means: email to rulemaking.comments@nrc.gov; fax to Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 301-415-1101; mail to Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C., 20555-0001, ATTN: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff; or deliver in person to NRC headquarters at 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md.
A public meeting is also scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST on Feb. 22 in the NRC Auditorium, 11545 Rockville Pike in Rockville. The meeting will also be webcast.
