Federal Register, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 10 CFR Part 19 et al., Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in a Proposed Geological Repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada; Proposed Rule, Part II

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory<br/>Commission (NRC) is proposing<br/>licensing criteria for disposal of spent<br/>nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive<br/>wastes in the proposed geologic<br/>repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.<br/>These criteria will address the<br/>performance of the repository system at<br/>Yucca Mountain, a system that must<br/>comprise both natural and engineered<br/>barriers. The proposed requirements are<br/>designed to implement a health-based,<br/>safety objective for long-term repository<br/>performance that is fully protective of<br/>the public health and safety, and the<br/>environment, and is consistent with<br/>national and international<br/>recommendations for radiation<br/>protection standards. Also included are<br/>licensing procedures, criteria for public<br/>participation, records and reporting,<br/>monitoring and testing programs,<br/>performance confirmation, quality<br/>assurance, personnel training and<br/>certification, and emergency planning.<br/>The proposed criteria will apply<br/>specifically and exclusively to the<br/>proposed repository at Yucca Mountain.<br/>Consistent with this intent, the<br/>Commission proposes to modify its<br/>generic criteria for disposal of spent<br/>nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive<br/>wastes in geologic repositories at 10<br/>CFR Part 60 to make clear that they do<br/>not apply, nor may they be the subject<br/>of litigation, in any NRC licensing<br/>proceeding for a repository at Yucca<br/>Mountain.