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
.#* "%,g UNITED STATES Cys; Dircks
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Roe g
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' E W ASHINGTON. D.C. 20666 RM g
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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 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 IILE asasanus 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 capable of meeting the performance Regulatory Commission (NRC) a published a rule that established objectives of to CFR Part 60. In reaching s an
,p this determination. the Commission has rn mng pna, e m,eepoon of m, gn procedures forlicensing the dispctal of examined the argu'ments presented by ruses.
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 NUCLEAR REGULATORY evaluation oflicense apphcstions under disposal desenbed in the NRC staff 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 Wastes in the Unsaturated Zone developing the final technica) criteria explains why the Commission has i
which were published on June 21.1983 sospecv: Nuclest Regulatory (48 FR 28194),
developed the following proposed amendments. Other issues which were Commission.
Several commenters on the proposed discussed by public commenters but rule including the U.S Department of which did not result in proposed action: Proposed rule.
Energy (DOE). the U.S. Department of changes to the final rule are also i
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the Intenor, and se sumanaAv:The Nuclear Regulatory Geological Survey (parately the U.S. addressed in the technical support USGS), took issue document. Upon publication. a copy of Commission (NRC)is considering with a statement made by (ne draft NUREG-1048 entitled Disposal of amending its rules on the 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 Unsatweted Zone: Technical geologic repositories so that the enteria were developed specifically for Considerations" will be placed in the technical cnteria for geologic disposalin disposalin saturated geologic media Whlic Document Room.1717 H Street the satura:ed zone may be equally because DOE plans at that time called NW., Washington. DC 20553. Since this applicable to disposal within the for HLW disposal at sufficient depth to unsaturated zone. The amendments are be sitaatsd in the hydrogeologic region document is available to the general 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 adopted by the Commission for disposal techmcal enteria were generally The depth to the regional water table cf HLW in the saturated zone were applicable without regard to the vanes throughout the United States.
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,y a a
to do so. but assurance of consideration Commission should reexamine the rule relatively thick unsaturated zone. The 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 aoonesses: Send comments or apply to all geologic media. The U.S.
documented as extending to depths of suggestiens to the Secretary of the Department of the Intenor urged that the approximately 600 meters belcw the Commission. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory rule be modified because. under ground surface. In contrast. the 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 barrier to the movement of non existent.
Branch. Copies of comments received mzy be exammed at the NRC Public radionuclides from the geologic Perhaps the most positive aspect repository to the water table.
associated with disposala!HL% within l
Document Room.1717 H Street NW.,
The Commission has determined that the unsaturated zone is that the HI.W Washmgton. DC 20555.
disposal of HLW within the unsaturated would be emplaced in a relatively dry 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, requested for pubhc comment by wntm t: the I.egula tory Commission. Washington.
.The deftmnon of the term unsaturered gone"is Publication Services Section. Dmeton si Tectnice!
denved from US Ceo6opcal Survey Weter Supply laformataan and Dooment Contaol t;i %cker DC. 2c555 telephone (301) 427-4343.
Peper 1see (Weehmston. DC. terzt Reeuleto*y Commamos Weehmster. D C. 2055s-trd m an f
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Federal Regist:r / Vol. 49. No. 33 / Thursday. February 16, 1984 / Proposed Rules 5033 a
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 zone, sealing shafts and unsaturated sediment and rock as a vapor formed-near the seclogic boreholes tightly to inhibit water positive aspect of HLW disposalin the repository may flow through air filled mos ement may be undesirable. The unsaturated zone because the lack of available moisture could reduce openings and partially drained fractures. reasoning behind this view is that leaching of the wasie packages and resulting in a drying of the surrounding although shafts and boreholes need to 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 conduits for radionuclide migration they groundwater migration. Further. It is movement of soluble contaminants.
s generally recognized that vertical 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 Shafts and boreholes would increase the zone is very small. A credible pathway be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to for the migration of water soluble detennine its effects (whether favorable amount of water moving through a contaminants from a geologic repository 3 ologic repository located within the located in the unsaturated zone to the or potentially adverse) on a particular site.
unsaturated zone only if they diverted a significant amount of runoff to the h**"
gj'y"d Othee Comunents Considered by NRC subsurface.
w underlymg regional water table, and De Commission has reviewed the C
s, {
a subsequently through the saturated 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 dischagmmission has reviewed several which were addressed in the public the design of seals for shafts and points.
The other issues that are of general concern comments on the proposed rule, as well boreholes (160.134). The provisions of t2 disposal of Hl.W in geologic as in a recent USGS publication.* and i M134 appear to be generagjy repositories.regardless of the has determined that the final rule (48 FR applicable to seals of shafts and hydrogeologie zone involved. Such 28194) accommodates these concerns.
boreholes m both hydrogeologic zones.
issues include the effects of climatic More detailed discussion of these issues Therefore, the Commission does not is presented in draft NUREG-1046.
consider it necessary to modify i E134 changes on the regional hydrologic at this time.
systems. the potential for human W--a 3co-Meters Depth for Waste t
intrusion into the geologic repository.
Emplacement and the effects of geologic processes One commenter on the proposed 10 Another issue which has been (s.g tectonism) on the structural CFR Part 80 technical criteria who identified both in public comments on stability of the geologic tepository. %o 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 relative importance of these issues will depth of 300 meters for waste unsaturated zone. The USGS expressed drpend upon natural conditions existin8 emplacement. However, the commenter the view that the role of backfillin the 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 w:ter is transported in both liquid and emplacement is considered a favorable 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
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transport. particularly when a, thermal to depths of up to 800 meters, the if backfillis necessary to perserve t
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 not been modified.
permit centinued drainage.
The final rule published by the
- The comuninies measuses met me wie R&
ts for Sealing Shafts and Commission on June 21,1983 contained l
d.ew is senerouy e,,ued by e teciuncol Boreholes only the general functional statement
- cemenmuy to=== =hich secure besse* **
wew m6w ti,hrutic =ewl =hile me ten.
In USGS Circular 903 the view was that the engineered barrier system vedese waterne nem accuremly a,,hed is *e aesl water. yewitatieaal wow and capillery wow expressed that, with respect to a
( neluding backfill) be designed to assist which esser in me emuturated sees tasse et the IcoloIic settinI n meeting the i
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 g.,w, e,,,ts se all weier which occure be6 w the.Regnene. U.S. Geological Servey Carcular sea.
(I 80.1,33(h)' 48 FR 28227). This eenendmen me,,
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 drier conditionP and increasing worker unsJturated zone is generall) above.
safety by providing altemative sources Waste Package Design Critaria of ventilation and escape routes.
discontinuous and strongly dependent 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 any containers, shielding. packmg and be decided by the designer-DOE. No properties of the partially saturated other absorbent materials immediately peevision of 10 CFR Part 80 expressly surrounding an individual waste limits the r craber of ventilation shafts geologic media, w hich vary with container"(48 FR 28219).The point has that a geologic repository may contain.
moisture content. Reliable calculations been raised that because of the different What is important is that the surface and predictions of groundwster tras ei times and velocities require knowledge nature of the emplacement environment facility ventilation systems comply with of these conditions and properties.
designs of waste package components the design enters in i to.132(b) l48 FR Within the unsaturated zone the for the saturated and unsaturated zones 23:28) and that the underground facility may be quite different. The Commission ventilation system be designed in movement of a given volume of water recognizes that several characteristics of accordance with i 80.133(g)(48 FR over a given distance depends sery the emplacement environment (e 3 28227).The Commission considers the strongly upon the nature of the recharge I
oxidation conditions. lithostatic desgn requirements for the ventilation events. Additicnally, the matenal 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 and unsaturated zones. As long as the etc.) and the initial conditions (e.g..
significantlybetween the two hydrogeologic zones. This variation of ventilation system complies with saturation, capi!!ary pressure matric emplacement environment may prodstons of Il 80.111(a). 80.132, and potential) may be extremely difficult to necessitate that DOE consider 60.133 and does not compromise the measure on a representative scale for integrity of the site to host a geologic unsaturated porous and fractured alternative designs for waste packages repository. DOE will have broad geologic med:a.
(including waste form, canisters.
overpack. etc.) for geologic disposal in flexibilityin designing the system.
For these reasons, calculations of pre-waste. emplacement groundwater travel the unsaturated zone. The Commission Exploratory Boreholes time along the fastest path oflikely has reviewed the performance Provisions relating to site radionuclide travel through the objectives which pertain to the waste characte-ization are set forth in the final unsaturated zone may han Iarge package (5 80.111 and I 80.113). and 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.
characterization. The view was
" groundwater" which the Commission in 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 expanding the scope of the performance Therefore, no changes have beer' made already has a high vertical permeability.
objectives set forth in i 60.113 to to the provisions of il 60.111. 80.113. or there is no reason to limit the number of disposalin either the saturated or 80.135.
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 ventilation shafts associated with a body or coal bed. with dnll holes every effect of making pre waste empi cement geologic repository was addressed in few hundred feet on a rectangular gnd.
groundwater travel time along the I
USGS Circular 903. In the case of the The Commission's view on the fastest path of ikely radionuclide travel saturated zone. the number of importance of not compromismg the from the disturbed zone to the ventilation shafts may be kept at a integrity of a site during the site accessible environment which minimum since the shafts could characterization program of testing and substantially exceeds 1.000 years a constfrute potential pathways to the exploration has been clearly stated at 44 favorable condition for HLW disposal
<ccessible environment. In USGS FR 70409. However, if DOE should opt within either the saturated or
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Circular 903 it is stated that in the case for a site exploration and unsaturated zone.
cf the unsaturated zone additional characterization program which The Commission's current thinking on shafts for ventilation would not includes plans for dnlling numerous this issue is that if DOE can demonstrate boreholes then DOE would have the with reasonable assurance that travel compromise the geologic repository's burden of showing the Commission that time for groundwater movement through performance because sealing shafts in the unsaturated zone is much simpler thb ability of the site to isolate HLW has the unsaturated zone can be quantified, and ofless consequence than in the not brett compromised during these then DOE should be allowed to inckce activities.
ssturated zona. Several potential such travel time when demonstrati.g 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 The concept of groundwater travel groundwater travel times through the i
unsaturated zone could involve phases of the geologic repository, time generally is applied in evaluations considerable uncertainty. Further, long removal of any water vspor during the of saturated flow systems, where flow is groundwater travel time possibly may operational period, drawing large 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-
Fedrl Register / Vcl. 49. No. 33 / Thursday. Februtry 16. 1984 / Proposed Rules 5937 favorable hydrogeologic condition for IJet of Subjects in to CFR Part 60 and low hydraulic potential between the 5
disposal of HI.W withm the unsaturated zone. It may be more appropriate for the High level waste. Nuclear power host rock and the surroeding Commission to specify another plants and reactors. Nuclear matenals.
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8 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 unsaturated zone. or to utilize the disposal.
groundwater trave time along the fastest 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 overlaying and underlying
- ?' 8
- 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 7[O EW ESI E 1.OGIC groundwater travel time performance cbjective be Ifmited to groundwater REPOSITORIES saturated voids continraus with the 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.
(iii) A laterally extensive law-represent an appropriate measure of 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 downward movement of water or divert alternative performance objective for y*g*d'j2ta t02 k'[
downward moving water to a location the geologic setting. (e.g., maximum d
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 Pursuant to Section 121(c) of the
- 1. Section 60.2 is amended by adding
'8]
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
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I 40.2 Definmona.
cnvironmentalimpact statement under (22) Potential for the water table to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Enytronmental Policy Act of1969 or any Gr undwater** means all water nse sufficiently so as to cause saturation environmental review under which occurs below the Earth s surface.
of an underground facility located in the 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 water pressure locally may be greater accessible envirenment.
requirements subject to the Paperwork than atmospheric.
(24) Poiential for vapor transport of Reduction Act(Pub.I 96-511).
radionuclides from the underground
- Section 60.1221s amended b facility located in the unsaturated zone Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification 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
h "1 h
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
'"*o ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REACTOR SAFEGUARDS
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August 14, 1984 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
" DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADI0 ACTIVE WASTES
SUBJECT:
REPOSITORIES" 9-11, 1984, the Advisory Comittee on Reactor Safeguards discussed the amendments proposed by the N During its 292nd meeting, August Radioac-expand the coverage of 10 CFR Part 60, " Disposal of High-Level Repositories," to include disposal in the This matter was also a subject of discussion during tive Wastes in Geologic August 8, meetings of our Waste Management Subcomittee on July 11 and unsaturated zone.
1984.
In presenting the proposed change to the ACRS, the NRC Staff h
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 certain terms in the proposed amendments.the NRC Staff int these matters.
Ke concur in the amendments as modified.
l Sincerely,
/
h jJ Jesse C. Ebersole Chairman p h/9/
g]
Draf t memo for the Comissioners from William J. Dircks, Subject ReferencesL:
10 CFR Part 60--Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in G L
logic Repositories--Final Amendments, transmittec to ACRS U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Comission, " Disposal of High-level R 1984 2.
active Wastes in the Onsaturated Zone:ri RW2J aHEnto_ NUREG-1046, d 1984
?
August 14, 1984 Hencrable Nunzio J. Palladino Note from Colleen Ostrowski, Waste hanagement Branch, Divisi Radiation Programs and Earth Sciences, RES, to 3.
to Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in the Unsaturate
Subject:
dated August 3,1984,
l l
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