Development of the EPA radiation site cleanup regulations and radioactive waste management program

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting the public and the environment from exposure to ionizing radiation. As part of this responsibility, the Agency is developing a radiation site cleanup regulation which will establish a health-based cleanup level to be attained at sites contaminated with radionuclides. The Agency also is developing a radioactive waste management program to address the treatment, storage, and disposal of radioactive waste generated during site cleanup. EPA anticipates publishing a proposed radiation site cleanup rule in the Federal Register in the Spring of 1995 and three proposed radioactive waste management rules beginning in 1995. This paper discusses the latest technical and policy developments for both rule makings. The information presented is preliminary in nature and is subject to change as the formal regulatory development process continues. It is intended to be used primarily to maximize discussion and comment with interested parties