| (a) The performance objectives of this section apply to the naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) waste disposal facility and any underground source of drinking water, as defined in §331.2 of this title (relating to Definitions), that may be impacted by activities at the NORM waste disposal facility. The performance objectives of this section do not apply to NORM waste in the injection zone as defined in §331.2 of this title. (b) Radiation exposure and release of radioactive materials from a NORM waste disposal facility must be maintained as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA). Concentrations of radioactive material that may be released to the general environment in groundwater, surface water, air, soil, plants, or animals must not result in an annual dose above background exceeding an equivalent of 25 millirems to the whole body, 75 millirems to the thyroid, or 25 millirems to any other organ of any member of the public. (c) Operations at the NORM waste disposal facility must be conducted in compliance with the standards for radiation protection set out in Subchapter D of this chapter (relating to Standards for Protection Against Radiation), except for releases of radioactivity in effluents from the NORM waste disposal facility, which are governed by subsection (b) of this section. Analyses of the protection of individuals during operations must include assessments of expected doses due to routine operations and potential accidents during handling, storage, processing, and disposal of NORM waste. (d) The location and characteristics of a NORM waste disposal facility must preclude potential off-site migration or transport of radioactive materials or ready access to critical exposure pathways. (e) Pathways analyzed in demonstrating protection of the general population from releases of radioactivity must include air, soil, groundwater, surface water, plant uptake, and exhumation by animals. (f) A NORM waste disposal facility for which authorization is requested under this subchapter must be located, designed, constructed, operated, and closed so that long-term isolation and custodial care for long-term stability will not be required beyond the time the licensee occupies the NORM waste disposal facility. |
