Federal Register #2026-13302

NRC Proposed Rule for Integrated Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory rulemaking by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding low-level radioactive waste disposal. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is not a procurement action - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being requested or procured - Unique or Notable Requirements: - The proposed rule introduces a risk-informed, site-specific framework for waste acceptance criteria - Streamlined requirements for facilities not accepting significant quantities of long-lived radionuclides or Greater-Than-Class C (GTCC) waste - Technical assessments required for facilities handling higher-risk waste to ensure long-term safety - New disposal options for higher concentrations of waste - Draft guidance provided for public comment - Addresses technical analyses for performance, inadvertent intruder assessments, operational safety, site stability, and performance period analyses - Covers Agreement State licensing, safety criteria for GTCC waste, disposal depth, physical protection, and criticality safety - No procurement of goods or services is involved; this is a regulatory change impacting waste disposal facilities

Description

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to amend regulations governing land disposal of low-level radioactive waste to expand coverage to include certain transuranic wastes. The rule introduces a risk-informed framework allowing sites to develop waste acceptance criteria based on site-specific characteristics rather than prescriptive limits. It allows a graded approach where facilities not accepting significant quantities of long-lived radionuclides or Greater-Than-Class C waste meet streamlined requirements, while others must conduct technical assessments to ensure long-term safety. The rule also introduces new disposal options for higher concentrations of waste and includes draft guidance for public comment.

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