EPA: Should 1977 radiation standards be revised? Comments needed

The EPA is considering revising its limits for radiation releases and doses to the public from normal operation of nuclear power and other uranium facilities. In the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), EPA makes clear that it is not proposing any changes currently but is gathering information and comments. It is hosting a series of informational webinars (scroll to bottom), the next of which is March 19, 2014 at 1pm EST (click to register). Scroll down for full webinar announcement from EPA. Watch this page for reminders, updates, and comments as they become available.

COMMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014 on this ANPR

From EPA: "'Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations' (40 CFR 190). limit radiation releases and doses to the public from the normal operations of nuclear power plants and other uranium fuel cycle facilities, the facilities involved in the manufacture and use of uranium fuel for generating electrical power. Advancements in the scientific understanding of radiation risk and new nuclear technologies and practices have led EPA to consider whether to revise the standards. EPA has issued this ANPR to request information to support our review. No changes to the current standards are being proposed at this time."

EPA ANNOUNCEMENT: Informational Webinar

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR)
“Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations” (40 CFR 190)

March 19, 2014, 1:00 PM EDT

You are invited to join us in a webinar about the ANPR for “Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations” (40 CFR 190). In this webinar, we will go over the current standards and identify the areas where EPA is considering revisions and where we are looking for public input.  Please note that this webinar is informational and intended to help members of the public submit comments. Comments must be received in writing by June 4, 2014.

A.     REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Advanced registration is required. When you register, you will be prompted to create a password. Upon registering, you will receive an email with the webinar link and instructions.  To register:
https://epa.connectsolutions.com/anprwebinar/event/registration.html

B.     SCHEDULE OF WEBINARS

Other topic-specific webinars will be scheduled.  For more information, updates, and background information, please visit our website at: www.epa.gov/radiation/laws/190. You can subscribe to this page to be notified when additional information is posted.

C.     ABOUT THE STANDARDS & THIS ANPR

“Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations” (40 CFR 190). limit radiation releases and doses to the public from the normal operations of nuclear power plants and other uranium fuel cycle facilities, the facilities involved in the manufacture and use of uranium fuel for generating electrical power. Advancements in the scientific understanding of radiation risk and new nuclear technologies and practices have led EPA to consider whether to revise the standards. EPA has issued this ANPR to request information to support our review. No changes to the current standards are being proposed at this time.

D.     DOWNLOAD THE ANPR  

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the Federal Register, February 4, 2014

E.     SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS

Comments are due by June 4, 2014. To be considered, comments must be submitted in writing to the 40 CFR 190 Docket No. EPA-HQ- OAR–2013–0689. Instructions for submitting comments by mail are in the ANPR. You may also submit comments electronically:

Submit Comments on Line at Regulations.gov

F.     ABOUT EPA AND NUCLEAR POWER OPERATIONS

EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. The Agency sets generally applicable environmental standards that limit the amount of radioactivity that can be released into the environment. EPA does not directly regulate the daily operations of nuclear power plants or nuclear fuel facilities. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has regulatory responsibility for licensing and oversight of nuclear power plants and other commercial facilities that use radioactive materials. NRC implements EPA standards at applicable facilities.

G.     QUESTIONS?

If you need further information from an EPA staff member, please contact Brian Littleton at littleton.brian@epa.gov.(While we are happy to answer your questions, please note that EPA can only consider written comments officially submitted to the 40 CFR 190 Docket.)