EPA: Should 1977 radiation standards be revised? Comments needed

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 ledEPA 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."

more at BEYOND NUCLEAR > http://www.beyondnuclear.org/radiation-health-whats-new/2014/3/7/epa-should-1977-radiation-standards-be-revised-comments-need.html

Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations

regulations.gov

---- This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) requests public comment and information on potential approaches to updating the Environmental Protection Agency's “Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations” (40 CFR part 190). These standards, originally issued in 1977, limit radiation releases and doses to the public from normal operation of nuclear power plants and other uranium fuel cycle facilities—that is, facilities involved in the milling, conversion, fabrication, use and reprocessing of uranium fuel for generating commercial electrical power. These standards were the earliest radiation rules developed by EPA and are based on nuclear power technology and the understanding of radiation biology current at that time. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for implementing and enforcing these standards.

Dates

Comments must be received on or before June 4, 2014.

Additional Public Input. In addition to this ANPR, the Agency anticipates providing additional opportunities for public input. Please see the Web site for more information at: www.epa.gov/radiation/laws/190.

Regulations.gov - Proposed Rule Document