Summary of the Waste Management Programs at uranium recovery facilities as they relate to the 40 CFR Part 192 standards

This study evaluates the degree to which surface impoundments at licensed facilities comply with significant changes in NRC requirements initiated by enactment of EPA's final environmental standards for uranium recovery facilities (40 CFR Part 192). Impoundment liner requirements, ground-water protection standards, ground-water monitoring and corrective action programs, and site closure standards are the most significant regulatory modifications. The compliance status of 30 conventional mills and 31 in-situ mines is determined from a review of Nuclear Regulatory Commission and agreement state docket files through November, 1983. Results of this review show that a majority of conventional uranium mill tailings management systems are deficient with respect to liner requirements for new impoundments or proposed expansions to existing impoundments, as well as with respect to some aspects of ground-water monitoring and compliance programs. Furthermore, the status of conventional mill site closure plans is highly uncertain at this time. Although surface impoundments at in-situ uranium mines also are deficient with respect to ground-water monitoring programs, they generally comply with other changes in requirements imposed by 40 CFR Part 192