Alternate concentration limits for the UMTRA (Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action) Project

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Project is charged with the cleanup of 24 inactive uranium mill sites in ten different states. The EPA recently issued proposed groundwater standards (52 FR 36000, September 24, 1987) as a result of a Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals remand. Groundwater protection standards (as per 40 CFR 264.92) for each of the sites are an integral part of the new regulations. The project has the option to apply for background concentrations, maximum concentration limits (MCLs) or alternate concentration limits (ACLs) as part of the components of the site specific groundwater protection standards. The variety of information and discussion needs for obtaining ACLs for the UMTRA Project sites include risk assessment, groundwater hydrology, environmental issues, and NRC and state involvement. One of the important aspects in any UMTRA ACL demonstration is the concept of as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). This paper will discuss the various issues and information requirements for obtaining ACLs for the UMTRA Project sites