ML20132C497
| ML20132C497 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/26/1984 |
| From: | Chilk S NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Dircks W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20132C473 | List: |
| References | |
| FRN-49FR5934, RULE-PR-60 AB44-2, NUDOCS 8509270071 | |
| Download: ML20132C497 (6) | |
Text
ACTION - Minogue
' f.#* "%,g .J UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Cys; Dircks !
g g Roe g ' E W ASHINGTON. D.C. 20666 RM l
/ Jtello
..... January 26, 1984 /COstrowski ssSn'sNnv*'
- Gu ingham Felton Philips Besaw .
MEMORANDUM FOR: William J. Dircks, Executive Director Shelton for Operations g FROM: Samuel J. Chilk, Secreta .
SUBJECT:
SECY-83-444 - 10 CFR PAR'I 6 --
DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RA DI (CTIVE
. WASTE IN GEOLOGIC REPOSI'IpRIES --
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS This is to advise you that the Commission (with all Commissioners agreeing) has approved for publication the proposed amendments to 10 CFR Part 60.
You should forward the Federal Register Notice for signature and publication.
(EDO/RES) (SECY SUSPENSE: 2/10/84)
The appropriate Congressional Committees should be advised.
(OCA) (SECY SUSPENSE: 2/10/84) cc: Chairman' Palladino Commissioner Gilinsky Commissioner Roberts Commissioner Asselstine Commissioner Bernthal OPE OGC OCA OPA gec'd k
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SECY-83-444--10 CFR PART 60-- ARSENAULT 1/27 DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIO-ACTIVE WASTE IN GEOLOGIC RE-BaiddisRIE5 PROPO5ED AnEi4DnEitT5 CY: MIN 0GUE RCSS GILLESPIE C ~~ELLA TROWSKI asasanus IILE o
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J' 5934 AB44-2 Proposed Rules r *=> w ~
Vol. 49. No. 33 Thursday. February to.1964 TNs secton of the FIDERAL REGISTER supptanesNTARY LWOAldATio*C contains netscos to the out*c of the Background the site and the geologic repository proposee eeuance of men and design are carefully selected. and are reguataons he pumoes of these nasces On February 25.1981 the Nuclear a capable of meeting the performance s an Regulatory Commission (NRC)
,p , published a rule that established objectives of to CFR Part 60. In reaching rn mng pna, e m ,eepoon of m, gn procedures forlicensing the dispctal of this determination. the Commission has ruses. examined the argu'ments presented by HLW in geologic repositories (46 FR the public commenters as well as the 139n). NRC published proposed analysis of the pnncipalissues technical entena to be used in the associated with unsaturated zone evaluation oflicense apphcstions under disposal desenbed in the NRC staff NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION those procedures on july 8.1981 (46 FR techmcal support document (draft 35280). In response to solicitation for NREC-1046) prepared in conjunction public comments on the proposed with the preposed amendments.This M CM Pan 60 techmcal enteria NRC received 93 document identifies the positive aspects comment letters. The Commission. and possible concerns associated with Disposal of PtNh-L.evel Radioactive considered all public comments in disposalin the unsaturated zone and developing the final technica) criteria explains why the Commission has Wastes in the Unsaturated Zone which were published on June 21.1983 i (48 FR 28194), developed the following proposed sospecv: Nuclest Regulatory amendments. Other issues which were Commission. Several commenters on the proposed discussed by public commenters but action: Proposed rule. rule including the U.S Department of which did not result in proposed i Energy (DOE). the U.S. Department of changes to the final rule are also the Intenor, and se
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sumanaAv:The Nuclear Regulatory Geological Survey (parately the U.S. addressed in the technical support USGS), took issue Commission (NRC)is considering document. Upon publication. a copy of with a statement made by (ne amending its rules on the disposal of draft NUREG-1048 entitled Disposal of Commission at 46 FR 35281 which High.lavel Radioactis e Wastes in the high. level radioactive wastes (HLW) in explained that the proposed technical geologic repositories so that the Unsatweted Zone: Technical enteria were developed specifically for Considerations" will be placed in the technical cnteria for geologic disposalin disposalin saturated geologic media because DOE plans at that time called Whlic Document Room.1717 H Street the satura:ed zone may be equally NW., Washington. DC 20553. Since this applicable to disposal within the for HLW disposal at sufficient depth to document is available to the general unsaturated zone. The amendments are be sitaatsd in the hydrogeologic region public.8 only a summary discussion of b;ing proposed in response to public termed the saturated zone. The these issues is presented below.
comments on the proposed techmcal commenters considered disposalin the entena for geologic disposalin the unsaturated zone 8 to be a viable fasue2 Examined by the Commission saturated zone. Final technical entena alternative and noted that since the techmcal enteria were generally The depth to the regional water table adopted by the Commission for disposal vanes throughout the United States.
applicable without regard to the cf HLW in the saturated zone were published in the Federal Register on possibility of saturation. their scope and Potential geologic repository sites within junc 21.1943. applicability should not be unduly unsaturated geologic media may be restricted. DOE. In its comments on this identified in arid to semi-and geographic Carts: Comment period expires April issue, suggested that since opportunities regions of the country because such 16.1084. Comments recssved after this may arise for exploratory studies in regions generally are charactenzed b date will be considered ifit is practical unsaturated geclogic media. the deep regional water table and hence,ya a to do so. but assurance of consideration relatively thick unsaturated zone. The Commission should reexamine the rule cannot be given except as to comments and make whatever changes are unsaturated zone in certain and repens
, receised Cn or before this date. necessary to ensure that the rule will ,
of the Umted S:ates has been apply to all geologic media. The U.S. documented as extending to depths of aoonesses: Send comments or suggestiens to the Secretary of the Department of the Intenor urged that the approximately 600 meters belcw the ground surface. In contrast. the Commission. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory rule be modified because. under Commission. Washington, DC 20535. appropnate conditions. the unsaturated unsatureted zone in hu'nid remens is zone could provide one more natural often only a few meters thick. or en:irely Attention: Docketmg and Service non existent.
Branch. Copies of comments received barrier to the movement of radionuclides from the geologic Perhaps the most positive aspect mzy be exammed at the NRC Public i
- repository to the water table. associated with disposala!HL% within l
' Document Room.1717 H Street NW., the unsaturated zone is that the HI.W Washmgton. DC 20555. The Commission has determined that disposal of HLW within the unsaturated would be emplaced in a relatively dry 1 F .,A FURTMER INFORsfATION CONTACT: zone is a realistic alternative to disposal (Le low moisture contenti geo; ope Dr. Colleen Ostrowski. 05 ice of Nuclear within the saturated zone, provided that Regulatory Research. U.S. Nuclear e 7,,, ,,,;, ,,,,,, ,, o,, n su,3e_,3,, ,,,, 3,
.The deftmnon of the term unsaturered gone"is requested for pubhc comment by wntm t: the I.egula tory Commission. Washington.
DC. 2c555 telephone (301) 427-4343. denved from US Ceo6opcal Survey Weter Supply Publication Services Section. Dmeton si Tectnice!
Peper 1see (Weehmston. DC. terzt laformataan and Dooment Contaol t;i %cker Reeuleto*y Commamos Weehmster. D C. 2055s-trd m an f
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a Federal Regist:r / Vol. 49. No. 33 / Thursday. February 16, 1984 / Proposed Rules 5033 medium.The Commission considers the with vapor transport in the unsaturated geologic repository within the relatively low moisture content of zone may also be discemed since water unsaturated sediment and rock as a unsaturated zone, sealing shafts and vapor formed-near the seclogic boreholes tightly to inhibit water positive aspect of HLW disposalin the repository may flow through air filled unsaturated zone because the lack of mos ement may be undesirable. The available moisture could reduce openings and partially drained fractures. reasoning behind this view is that resulting in a drying of the surrounding although shafts and boreholes need to leaching of the wasie packages and host rock.This drying zone may extend be carefully sealed in the saturated zone thus, significantly reduce the likelihood hundreds of meters from the geologic so that they do not become future of radionuclide transport by repository, and thus may inhibit the groundwater smigration. Further. It is conduits for radionuclide migration they generally recognized that vertical movement of soluble contaminants. may have an entirely different relation
, groundwater flux in the unsaturated Therefore, the Commission views vapor to an unsaturated zone repository.
transport as another issue which must zone is very small. A credible pathway Shafts and boreholes would increase the be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to for the migration of water soluble amount of water moving through a contaminants from a geologic repository detennine its effects (whether favorable 3 ologic repository located within the or potentially adverse) on a particular located in the unsaturated zone to the site. unsaturated zone only if they diverted a significant amount of runoff to the h**" gj'y"d w Othee Comunents Considered by NRC subsurface. '
underlymg regional water table, and C a subsequently through the saturated De Commission has reviewed the s, {
following six issues related to Hl.W a e groundwater units to the regional disposal within the unsaturated zone provi s of the final rule relating to points. the design of seals for shafts and dischagmmission The has reviewed several which were addressed in boreholes the public (160.134). The provisions of comments on the proposed rule, as well other issues that are of general concern i M134 appear to be generagjy as in a recent USGS publication.* and t2 disposal of Hl.W in geologic applicable to seals of shafts and repositories.regardless of the has determined that the final rule (48 FR 28194) accommodates these concerns. boreholes m both hydrogeologic zones.
hydrogeologie zone involved. Such Therefore, the Commission does not More detailed discussion of these issues issues include the effects of climatic is presented in draft NUREG-1046. consider it necessary to modify i E134 changes on the regional hydrologic at this time.
t systems. the potential for human W--a 3co-Meters Depth for Waste intrusion into the geologic repository. Emplacement ,
and the effects of geologic processes (s.g tectonism) on the structural One commenter on the proposed 10 Another issue which has been '
stability of the geologic tepository. %o CFR Part 80 technical criteria who identified both in public comments on Commission does not believe that any of advocated applying the rule equally to the proposed technical criteria and in these issues would negate the generic the satursted and unsaturated zones USGS Circular 903 pertains to the concept of HI.W disposal within the considered it necessary to change the necessity of backfillin a geologic ensaturated zone. However, since the siting criterion which sets a minimum repository located within the depth of 300 meters for waste unsaturated zone. The USGS expressed relative importance of these issues will
- emplacement. However, the commenter the view that the role of backfillin the drpend upon natural conditions existin8 at a particular site, each must be incorrectly identified this provision (see unsaturated zone would be the opposite evaluated on a site-by site basis. I so.122(b)) as a requirement rather of that in the saturated zone. Backfill Vapor transport of contaminants has than as a favorable condition. The material that would inhibit the flow of been identified by the Commission's Commission notes that favorable water to. and radionuc!!de migration staff as a potential concern associated conditions are those which may enhance from, the waste packages may be highly with HLW disposalin the unsaturated waste isolation potential. Hence a desirable in the saturated zone. In the zone. In unsaturated geologic media, minimum depth of 300 meters for waste unsaturated zone.however, the emplacement is considered a favorable l w
- ter is transported in both liquid and designers of a geologic repository may v por phases. The relative contnbution condition because the deeper the HLW wish to promote drainage. The opinion cf transport via liquid and vapor phases, la emplaced. the less likely it is to be has been expressed that within the i
rad their direction of movement with disturbed. Viewed in that light this unsaturated zone backfill should allow j respect to a geologic repository will depth is a favorable condition. groundwater to drain readily rather l have a direct influence on the irrespective of hydrogeologie zone. than serve as a barrier to drainage. it
~
! containment of contaminants. Vapor Since the unsaturated zone may extend was suggested in USGS Circular 903 that t to depths of up to 800 meters, the if backfillis necessary to perserve transport. particularly when a, thermal gr:dient is imposed may provide a Commission considers this favorable structural or waste package integrity, a i
possible mechanism for radionuclide condition to be a realistic one for both relatively permeable material (e.g migration from a geologic repository. the saturated and unsaturated zones. cobble sized rock) could be used to However. positive aspects associated Therefore. this provision of the rule has !
permit centinued drainage.
not been modified.
The final rule published by the l
- The comuninies measuses met me wie
, d.ew is senerouy e,,ued by e teciuncol R& ts for Sealing Shafts and Commission on June 21,1983 contained
- cemenmuy to === =hich secure besse* ** Boreholes only the general functional statement wew m6w ti ,hrutic =ewl =hile me ten. that the engineered barrier system vedese waterne nem accuremly a,,hed is *e In USGS Circular 903 the view was expressed that, with respect to a ( neluding backfill) be designed to assist aesl water. yewitatieaal wow and capillery wow which esser in me emuturated sees tasse et the IcoloIic settinI ni meeting the seraties. vedese somek Hewever. for the eeke of
- RecebeseL E H. fr tess. Dispeest et High44 vet performance objectives for the pened ausehoty. poundwever to defined in the pre, seed Nuclear Weete Above the Weter Table in And following permanent closure eenendmen g.,w, e,,,tsme,,se all weier which occure be6 w the .Regnene. U.S. Geological Servey Carcular sea. (I 80.1,33(h)' 48 FR 28227). This weehispe oc.p.22. ,
provision. as promulgated, should be
e 5936 Federal Registsr / Vol. 49. No. 33 / Thursday. February 16. 1984 / Propossd Rules t . responsive to the concems discussed above. drier conditionP and increasing worker unsJturated zone is generall) safety by providing altemative sources discontinuous and strongly dependent Waste Package Design Critaria of ventilation and escape routes.
upon initial conditions (e.g . magnitude As de!;ned at i 60.2. the term " waste The number of ventilation shafts and spatial and temporal distribution package" means "the waste form and meluded m any geologic repository will recharge etents) and the conducta e be decided by the designer-DOE. No any containers, shielding. packmg and properties of the partially saturated peevision of 10 CFR Part 80 expressly geologic media, w hich vary with other absorbent materials immediately surrounding an individual waste limits the r craber of ventilation shafts that a geologic repository may contain. moisture content. Reliable calculations ,
container"(48 FR 28219).The point has What is important is that the surface and predictions of groundwster tras ei ;
been raised that because of the different times and velocities require knowledge '
nature of the emplacement environment facility ventilation systems comply with the design enters in i to.132(b) l48 FR of these conditions and properties.
designs of waste package components Within the unsaturated zone the !
23:28) and that the underground facility movement of a given volume of water for the saturated and unsaturated zones ventilation system be designed in !
may be quite different. The Commission over a given distance depends sery '
recognizes that several characteristics of accordance with i 80.133(g)(48 FR strongly upon the nature of the recharge I the emplacement environment (e 3 28227).The Commission considers the events. Additicnally, the matenal desgn requirements for the ventilation oxidation conditions. lithostatic systems set forth in il 60.132 and 60,133 properties (e.g. moisture charactenstic pressure, geochemistry, contact with to be applicable to both the saturated curves, porosity, irreducible saturation.
groundwater, etc.) may vary etc.) and the initial conditions (e.g..
significantlybetween the two and unsaturated zones. As long as the ventilation system complies with saturation, capi!!ary pressure matric hydrogeologic zones. This variation of potential) may be extremely difficult to prodstons of Il 80.111(a). 80.132, and emplacement environment may measure on a representative scale for 60.133 and does not compromise the necessitate that DOE consider unsaturated porous and fractured integrity of the site to host a geologic geologic med:a.
alternative designs for waste packages repository. DOE will have broad (including waste form, canisters. For these reasons, calculations of pre-flexibilityin designing the system.
overpack. etc.) for geologic disposal in waste. emplacement groundwater travel the unsaturated zone. The Commission Exploratory Boreholes time along the fastest path oflikely has reviewed the performance radionuclide travel through the Provisions relating to site objectives which pertain to the waste unsaturated zone may han Iarge package (5 80.111 and I 80.113). and characte-ization are set forth in the final rule at i 80.10 (48 FR 28219). Section ass ated tmce aimties. n ma e o(
believes that the provisions, as currently 60.10(d)(2) requires that the number of wntten, are vally applicable to weste exploratory boreholes and shafts be c.apability of the geologic setting to packages em aced within either the limited to the extent practical. isolate HLW from the accessi33e saturated or unsaturated zone. Similarly. consistent with obtaining the '"Vi""*'"I" the specific design criteria for the waste - information needed for site The new definiaan of the term package and its components (l 80.135. " groundwater" which the Commission in characterization. The view was 48 FR 282:7) have been determined to be expressed in USGS Circular 903 that in pmposing would have the effect of generally applicable to both zones. the unsatureted zone,if the host rock Therefore, no changes have beer' made expanding the scope of the performance already has a high vertical permeability. objectives set forth in i 60.113 to to the provisions of il 60.111. 80.113. or 80.135. there is no reason to limit the number of disposalin either the saturated or drill holes. Thus. the USGS noted that if unsaturated zone. Similarly. the II** necessary, a proposed geologie proposed amendment to the Siting The issue of restricung the number of repository could be explored like an ore Criteria (160.122(b)[7)) would have the body or coal bed. with dnll holes every effect of making pre waste empi cement ventilation shafts associated with a few hundred feet on a rectangular gnd.
I geologic repository was addressed in groundwater travel time along the The Commission's view on the fastest path of ikely radionuclide travel USGS Circular 903. In the case of the importance of not compromismg the saturated zone. the number of from the disturbed zone to the ventilation shafts may be kept at a integrity of a site during the site accessible environment which characterization program of testing and substantially exceeds 1.000 years a minimum since the shafts could constfrute potential pathways to the exploration has been clearly stated at 44 favorable condition for HLW disposal FR 70409. However, if DOE should opt within either the saturated or
<ccessible environment. In USGS for a site exploration and
{ Circular 903 it is stated that in the case unsaturated zone.
characterization program which The Commission's current thinking on cf the unsaturated zone additional includes plans for dnlling numerous shafts for ventilation would not this issue is that if DOE can demonstrate compromise the geologic repository's boreholes then DOE would have the with reasonable assurance that travel performance because sealing shafts in burden of showing the Commission that time for groundwater movement through thb ability of the site to isolate HLW has the unsaturated zone can be quantified, the unsaturated zone is much simpler and ofless consequence than in the not brett compromised during these then DOE should be allowed to inckce activities. such travel time when demonstrati .g
' ' ssturated zona. Several potential benefits were cited by the USGS to Groundwater Travel Time la the compliance with ! 60.113(a)(2).
suppott this view-e.g., reducing the Unsaturated Zone However. such calculations of peoblem of thermalload in the early groundwater travel times through the i
The concept of groundwater travel phases of the geologic repository, unsaturated zone could involve time generally is applied in evaluations removal of any water vspor during the considerable uncertainty. Further, long of saturated flow systems, where flow is operational period, drawing large groundwater travel time possibly may continuous and temporal fluctuations in be inconsistent with the proposed emounts of desert air through the the potential of the systems are small.in amendment which identifies a host rock geologic repository to promote even ; contrast, water movement in the that provides for free drainage as a
_ - . .- , - - - - - . - - , - - ,,. - - - - - ,_- , -,,.,..,,e---e.-,.,,,--n.n.,m-
- 1 Fedrl Register / Vcl. 49. No. 33 / Thursday. Februtry 16. 1984 / Proposed Rules 5937 1
5 favorable hydrogeologic condition for IJet of Subjects in to CFR Part 60 l; disposal of HI.W withm the unsaturated and low hydraulic potential between the High level waste. Nuclear power host rock and the surroeding zone. It may be more appropriate for the Commission to specify another plants and reactors. Nuclear matenals. M# 8'*k8 """
parameter upon which perfo:mance may Penalty. Reportmg and recordkeepmg be evaluated for a geologic setting in the requirsments. Waste treatment and (7] Pre. waste-emplacement disposal. groundwater trave time along the fastest unsaturated zone. or to utilize the cpproach set forth in i 80.113(b) which Issuanc* path oflikely radionuclide travel from provides the Commission with the the disturbed zone to the accessible flexibility to specfy variations in For the reasons set out in the environment that substant: ally exceeds performance objectives on a case-by- preamble and under the authority of the 1.000 years.
case basis, as long as the overall systsm Atomic Energy Act of 1954. as amended. (8) For disposal in the unsaturated performance objectzve is satisifed. the Energy Reorganization Act of1974. zone, hydrogeologic conditions that Therefore. to solicit input in these as amended. the Nuclear Waste Policy provide.-.
Act f 1962. and 5 U.S.C. 553, the matters the Commission is particularly [i)!.ow and nearly constant moisture seeking public comment on the following Nuclear Regulatory Commission is flux in the host rr.,ck and in the q ,,, % proposms the following amendments to
- ?' 8 overlaying and underlying
- 1. How can groundwater travel time in bydrogeologic wits:
the unsaturated zone be determined (ii) A water table su3ciently below with reasonable assurance? Should the groundwater travel time performance 7[O EW ESI E 1.OGIC saturated voids continraus with the cbjective be Ifmited to groundwater REPOSITORIES water table do not em.ounter the movement within the saturated zone? Authority: Secs.St.53.62.63.65.81.161. underground facility:
- 2. Does groundwster travel time 182.1as, as Stat. s2s. s30. 932. s33. 935. sea.
represent an appropriate measure of (iii) A laterally extensive law-953. 954. as amended (42 USC 2071. 2073. permeability hydrogeologic unit abos e performance for a site within the 20s2. 20s3. 2005. 2111. 2201. 2232. 2233b seca.
unsaturated zone, or would an 202. 20s, as Stat.1244.1246. (42 USC sa42, the host rock that would inhibit the alternative performance objective for downward movement of water or divert the geologic setting. (e.g., maximum y*g*d'j2ta d '
t02 k'[ downward moving water to a location 11kely volumetric flow rate of L 91-190. as Stat. s53 (42 USC 4332h sec. beyond the limits of the underground groundwater through the geologic 121. Pub. L s?-423. se Stat. 222s (42 USC facility:
te24)-
repository) be more appropriate? For the purposes of sec. 223. es Stat. 954, as (iv) A host rock that provides for fr,ee amended (42 USC 2273). II 8o.?1 to 60.73 d#'I"* E'; *I EnvironmentalImpact: Negative are issued under sec. toto. as Stat. 950, as (v) A climatic regime in which the ,
Declaration amended (42 USC 2201(o)). average astnual histone precipitation is
- ' E
'8]
Pursuant to Section 121(c) of the 1. Section 60.2 is amended by adding 8 Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. the two new definitions in proper , p, n a n.
promulgation of these criteria shall not alphabetical sequence:
require the preparation of an I 40.2 Definmona.
(#} , , ,
cnvironmentalimpact statement under . . . . . (22) Potential for the water table to Section 102(2)(C) of the National nse sufficiently so as to cause saturation Enytronmental Policy Act of1969 or any Gr undwater** means all water of an underground facility located in the environmental review under which occurs below the Earth s surface. unssturated zone.
subparagraph (E) or (F) of Section 102(2) " Unsaturated zone" means the zone cf such Act. between the land surface and the (23) Potential for existing or future deepest water table. Generally, water Ln perched water bodies that may have the Pcperwork Reduction Review this zone is under less than atmospheric effect of saturating portions of the pressure, and some of the voids may udergound facuity a providing a The proposed rule contains no new or contain air or cther gases at faster flow path for radionuclide
. tmended recordkeeping, reporting or atmospheric pressure. Eeneath flooded movement from an underground facility application requirements, or any other areas orin perched water bodies the located in the unsaturated zone to the type ofinformation collection accessible envirenment.
water pressure locally may be greater requirements subject to the Paperwork than atmospheric. (24) Poiential for vapor transport of Reduction Act(Pub.I 96-511). . . . . .
radionuclides from the underground Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
- Section 60.1221s amended b facility located in the unsaturated zone revlsing paragraph (b)(2)(iii) des gnating to the accessible environment In accordance with the Regulatory paragraph (b)(2)(iv) as (b)(7), and adding cared at washington. D.C. th:s 13th day of Flexibility Act of1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b)). new paragraphs (b)(8). (c) (22). (23) and February 1384.
th2 Commission certifies that this rule,if (24) to read as follows:
cd:pted, will not have a significant For the Lclear Regulatory Commission.
economic impset on a substantial number of small entities. The only entity Secretary ofthe Commission.
, subject to regulation under this tule is (b)**' tra omxn m s.ts.eems mi th) U 9. Department of Energy. (2) * * * (i!!)1.ow vertical permeability su.mocooe7ssoeuw
hh"1 UNITED STATES
'"*o
~ NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION r ,,
ADVISORY WCOMMITTEE ON REACTOR SAFEGUARDS A 5 'E a# ASHINGToN, D. C. 20555 k August 14, 1984 s %+=*/
honorable Nunzio J. Palladino Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Comission Washington, DC 20555
Dear Dr. Palladino:
ACRS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO 10 CFR PART
SUBJECT:
" DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADI0 ACTIVE WASTES REPOSITORIES" 9-11, 1984, the Advisory Comittee on During its 292nd meeting, August Reactor Safeguards discussed the amendmentsRadioac- proposed by the N expand the coverageRepositories,"
of 10 CFR Part 60, " Disposal of High-Level to include disposal in the tive Wastes in Geologic This matter was also a subject of discussion during August 8, unsaturated zone.
meetings of our Waste Management Subcomittee on July 11 and ,
1984.
In presenting the proposed change to the ACRS, the h NRC Staff s the expansion in the scope of 10 CFR 60 to include disposal within t unsaturated zone should not be interpreted as meaning that they fa the disposal of high-level wastes in this zone. recognizing tive to disposal in the saturated zone.
The only matters on which we had questions were the definition these certain terms in the proposed amendments.the NRC Staff int matters.
Ke concur in the amendments as modified.
l Sincerely,
/
% ' h jJ Jesse C. Ebersole g] Chairman p h/9/
ReferencesL:
L Draf t memo for the Comissioners from William J. Dircks, Subject 10 CFR Part 60--Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in G logic Repositories--Final Amendments, transmittec to ACRS 1984 2.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Comission, " Disposal of High-level R 1984 active Wastes in the Onsaturated
? Zone:ri RW2J aHEnto_
NUREG-1046, d
August 14, 1984 Hencrable Nunzio J. Palladino 3.
Note from Colleen Ostrowski, Waste hanagement Branch, Divisio Radiation
Subject:
Programs and Earth Sciences, RES, to to Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in the Unsaturate dated August 3,1984 ,
. l l
l l
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