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Radiation Protection

40 CFR Part 192: Proposed Rulemaking and Background Documents

Health and Environmental Protection Standards for Uranium and Thorium Mill Tailings (40 CFR 192) establish standards for protection of public health, safety, and environment from radiological and non-radiological hazards associated with uranium and thorium ore processing, and their associated wastes. In January 2015, EPA proposed an amendment to the rule that would have regulated byproduct materials produced by in-situ recovery (ISR) activities with a primary focus on groundwater protection and restoration. The proposed rule would have added post-restoration groundwater standards and monitoring requirements for ISR facilities. After reviewing public comments on the proposal and new information, the Agency decided not to finalize the 2015 proposed rule. In January 2017, EPA issued another proposed rule with groundwater standards and monitoring requirements for ISR facilities. In October 2018, EPA withdrew the January 2017 proposed rule because of issues raised in the public comment period and because the once anticipated influx of new ISR license applications is not likely to materialize.

Withdrawal of January 2017 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Download the Notice from the October 30, 2018 Federal Register.

Links Concerning the Proposed Rulemaking of January 19, 2017

Links Concerning the Proposed Rulemaking of January 26, 2015

Published Sources Used in the Proposed Rulemaking of January 26, 2015

EPA Background & Supporting Documents for the Proposed Rulemaking of January 26, 2015

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