Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

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finding and listed radionuclides as hazardous air pollutants under Section 112 of the Act
(44 FR 76738, December 27, 1979). EPA must now propose regulations establishing emission
standards for radionuclides.
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Public Law 92-532
Dumping of any material into ocean waters is permitted only pursuant to a permit from
EPA, or, for dredged material, the Corps of Engineers. The Act specifically precludes issu-
ance of a permit for dumping of high-level radioactive waste.
Department of Energy Requirements
Other than the quarterly fractionation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission dose
limits, and with minor exceptions for specific body organs, the limiting dose criteria of
10 CFR 20 are the same for Department of Energy operations, as given in ERDA Manual Chap-
ter 0524 (ERDA 1975). Any new facilities for commercial high-level waste management are
expected to be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
State Regulations
Under Section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 as amended, a number of states and
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission have executed agreements that permit a state to grant
licenses for the control of specified nuclear activities within the state boundaries. Pro-
duction and utilization of special nuclear materials and Federal facilities are specifically
excluded. Examples of state-licensed activities are the commercially operated low-level
waste burial sites at Barnwell in South Carolina and at Hanford in Washington. Although
each agreement state may establish its own inventory limits and administrative, surveil-
lance, and reporting requirements, the same basic radiation protection standards apply as
for Federally licensed facilities. Further, under provisions of the Clean Air Act Amend-
ments of 1977, the states may set standards for radioactive emissions in the air which are
more stringent than Federal standards.
EPA Waste Management Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for developing standards applicable
to all Federal radioactive waste management programs; these standards will be implemented
in NRC regulations. EPA has published for public review the initial formulations of their
standards.
In commenting on the draft of this Statement the EPA stated that they are presently
proposing criteria and standards for radioactive waste management. These criteria and
standards will be applicable to any disposal of high-level waste or spent nuclear fuel.
NRC Rules for Licensing of Geologic Repositories
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the statutory authority to license facilities
used primarily for the receipt and storage of high-level radioactive wastes resulting from
activities licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and the Energy Reorganization Act
of 1974. The Commission has indicated that regulations c."'ering the licensing of De-