Radiation Source Protection and Security Task Force; Request for Public Comment, 1776-1780 [E6-156]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 7 / Wednesday, January 11, 2006 / Notices
bounding for EPU conditions. The staff
also found that the methodology used
by the licensee to evaluate the loads on
the reactor vessel was consistent with
an NRC-approved methodology and that
the maximum stresses and fatigue usage
factors for EPU conditions would be
within ASME Code allowable limits.
The staff’s evaluation regarding the
RCPB concluded that the applicable
VYNPS licensing basis requirements
would continue to be met following
implementation of the proposed EPU
(e.g., draft GDC 9, 33, 34, and 35; 10
CFR 50.60; and 10 CFR part 50,
Appendices G and H). Therefore, the
NRC staff concludes that RCPB
structural integrity would be maintained
under the proposed EPU conditions.
Finally, the NRC staff evaluated the
impact of the proposed EPU on the
containment. The staff found that the
licensee’s analysis used acceptable
calculational methods and conservative
assumptions and that the containment
pressure and temperature under EPU
conditions would remain below existing
design limits. The staff also evaluated
the licensee’s proposed change to the
licensing basis to credit containment
accident pressure to meet the net
positive suction head (NPSH)
requirements for the emergency core
cooling system pumps. The staff found
that the licensee’s analysis was
performed using conservative
assumptions and that the credited
pressure remains below the containment
accident pressure that would be
available under EPU conditions. The
staff’s evaluation regarding the
containment concluded that the
applicable VYNPS licensing basis
requirements would continue to be met
following implementation of the
proposed EPU (e.g., draft GDC 10, 41,
49, and 52; and 10 CFR part 50,
Appendix K). Therefore, the NRC staff
concludes that containment structural
integrity would be maintained under the
proposed EPU conditions.
In summary, the NRC staff has
concluded that the structural integrity of
the fission product barriers (i.e., fuel
cladding, RCPB and containment)
would be maintained under EPU
conditions. As such, the proposed
amendment would not degrade
confidence in the ability of the barriers
to limit the level of radiation dose to the
public.
Based on the above, the NRC staff
concludes that the proposed change
would not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety.
Conclusion
Based on this review, it appears that
the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c)
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are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff
proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no
significant hazards consideration.
The Commission is seeking public
comments on this proposed
determination. Any comments received
within 30 days after the date of
publication of this notice will be
considered in making a final
determination.
The Commission previously
published a ‘‘Notice of Consideration of
Issuance of Amendment to Facility
Operating License and Opportunity for
a Hearing’’ for the proposed VYNPS
EPU amendment in the Federal Register
on July 1, 2004 (69 FR 39976). This
Notice provided 60 days for the public
to request a hearing. On August 30,
2004, the Vermont Department of Public
Service and the New England Coalition
filed requests for hearing in connection
with the proposed amendment. By
Order dated November 22, 2004, the
Atomic Safety and Licensing Board
(ASLB) granted those hearing requests
and by Order dated December 16, 2004,
the ASLB issued its decision to conduct
a hearing using the procedures in 10
CFR part 2, subpart L, ‘‘Informal
Hearing Procedures for NRC
Adjudications.’’ No additional
opportunity for hearing is provided in
connection with this notice.
In accordance with the Commission’s
regulations in 10 CFR 50.91, if a final
determination is made that the proposed
amendment involves no significant
hazards consideration, the Commission
may issue the amendment and make it
immediately effective, notwithstanding
submission of adverse comments or a
request for hearing. In that event, any
required hearing would be completed
after issuance of the amendment;
however, if a final determination is
made that the proposed amendment
involves a significant hazards
consideration, the amendment would
not be issued prior to completion of the
hearing.
Written comments may be submitted
by mail to the Chief, Rules and
Directives Branch, Division of
Administrative Services, Office of
Administration, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555–
0001, and should cite the publication
date and page number of this Federal
Register notice. Written comments may
also be delivered to Room 6D59, Two
White Flint North, 11545 Rockville
Pike, Rockville, Maryland, from 7:30
a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Federal workdays.
For further details with respect to the
proposed action, see the licensee’s
application dated September 10, 2003,
as supplemented on October 1, and
PO 00000
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October 28 (2 letters), 2003, January 31
(2 letters), March 4, May 19, July 2, July
27, July 30, August 12, August 25,
September 14, September 15, September
23, September 30 (2 letters), October 5,
October 7 (2 letters), December 8, and
December 9, 2004, and February 24,
March 10, March 24, March 31, April 5,
April 22, June 2, August 1, August 4,
September 10, September 14, September
18, September 28, October 17, October
21, 2005 (2 letters), October 26, October
29, November 2, November 22, and
December 2, 2005. Documents may be
examined, and/or copied for a fee, at the
NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR),
located at One White Flint North, Public
File Area O1 F21, 11555 Rockville Pike
(first floor), Rockville, Maryland.
Publicly available records will be
accessible electronically from the
ADAMS Public Electronic Reading
Room on the NRC Web site, https://
www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.
Persons who do not have access to
ADAMS or who encounter problems in
accessing the documents located in
ADAMS should contact the NRC PDR
Reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, or
301–415–4737, or send an e-mail to
pdr@nrc.gov.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 5th day
of January 2006.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Richard B. Ennis,
Senior Project Manager, Plant Licensing
Branch I–2, Division of Operating Reactor
Licensing, Office of Nuclear Reactor
Regulation.
[FR Doc. E6–159 Filed 1–10–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
Radiation Source Protection and
Security Task Force; Request for
Public Comment
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Request for public comment.
SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) has established an
interagency task force to evaluate and
make recommendations on the
protection and security of radiation
sources. The Radiation Source
Protection and Security Task Force
(Task Force) is required by the Energy
Policy Act of 2005. As part of the Task
Force’s considerations, it is seeking
public input on the major issues before
the Task Force. To aid in that process,
the NRC is requesting comments on the
issues discussed in this notice.
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The comment period expires
February 10, 2006. Comments received
after this date will be considered if it is
practical to do so, but the Task Force is
able to assure consideration only for
comments received on or before this
date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any one of the following methods.
Please include the following number
(RSPS–TF) in the subject line of your
comments. Comments submitted in
writing or in electronic form will be
made available to the public in their
entirety. Personal information will not
be removed from your comments.
Mail comments to: Chief, Rules and
Directives Branch, Division of
Administrative Services, Office of
Administration, Mail Stop T6–D59, U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC 20555–0001.
E-mail comments to:
NRCREP@nrc.gov.
Hand deliver comments to: 11555
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland
20852, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.,
Federal workdays. (Telephone (301)
415–7163).
Fax comments to: Chief, Rules and
Directives Branch, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission at (301) 415–
5144.
Publicly available documents related
to this activity may be examined and
copied for a fee at the NRC’s Public
Document Room (PDR), Public File Area
O1 F21, One White Flint North, 11555
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Merri Horn, Office of Nuclear Material
Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Washington,
DC 20555–0001, telephone (301) 415–
8126, e-mail, mlh1@nrc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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DATES:
I. Background
New section 170H.f. of the Atomic
Energy Act, added by section 651(d) by
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L.
109–58), requires the establishment of
an inter-agency task force on radiation
source protection and security. The
Task Force was established to evaluate
and provide recommendations relating
to the security of radiation sources in
the United States from potential
criminal or terrorist threats, including
acts of sabotage, theft, or use of a
radiation source in a radiological
dispersal device. The Task Force is
comprised of representatives of the
NRC, Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), Department of Defense (DOD),
Department of Energy (DOE),
Department of Transportation (DOT),
Department of Justice (DOJ), Department
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of State (DOS), Director of National
Intelligence (DNI), Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Office of Science and Technology
Policy (OSTP), and Health and Human
Services/Food and Drug Administration
(HHS/FDA). The Committee is chaired
by NRC.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005
requires the Task Force to evaluate and
make recommendations for possible
regulatory and legislative changes on
several specific topics related to the
protection and security of sources. For
the purposes of the Task Force, the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 defines a
radiation source as a Category 1 Source
or a Category 2 Source as defined in the
Code of Conduct 1 and any other
material that the Commission, by
regulation, defines as a radiation source
for the purposes of section 170H. Spent
nuclear fuel and special nuclear
materials (plutonium and uranium
isotopes) are excluded. The Task Force
is required to submit its report to
Congress and the President. The first
report is to be submitted no later than
August 8, 2006, with subsequent reports
to be submitted not less than once every
4 years. The topics being considered by
the Task Force in the first report are
discussed in section III.
This document provides the public
with the opportunity to comment on the
topics to be considered by the Task
Force.
II. Request for Written and Electronic
Comments
The Task Force is soliciting comments
on the topics presented in section III of
this document. Comments may be
submitted either in writing or
electronically as indicated under the
ADDRESSES heading. This paper
provides some background on the major
topics that the Task Force will be
considering.
Based on the comments received in
both written or electronic form, the Task
Force will be in a better position to
evaluate the issues and make
appropriate recommendations for
regulatory or legislative action.
III. Topics for Discussion
The following format is used in the
presentation of the topics that follow.
Each topic is assigned a number with a
short title, and includes a topic
description paragraph and for some
1 ‘‘Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of
Radioactive Sources,’’ approved by the Board of
Governors of the International Atomic Energy
Agency and dated September 8, 2003.
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topics, a listing of factors for
consideration. The topics being
addressed in this document are those
topics which the Energy Policy Act of
2005 specifies that the Task Force must
address in its report. Other topics may
be considered in future reports. The
public and industry are invited to (1)
Address any inconsistencies that may be
a cause for concern or are perceived to
present problems in implementation of
the program; (2) address any perceived
gaps or overlaps in the programs; (3)
provide suggestions for modifications to
the current programs mentioned in each
topic; and (4) propose regulatory or
legislative changes for each topic as
appropriate. The public feedback will be
considered during the Task Force’s
review of each topic. Commenters may
also provide topic suggestions for Task
Force consideration in future reports.
Topic No. 1
The list of radiation sources requiring
security based on potential
attractiveness of the source to terrorists
and the extent of the threat to public
health and safety.
Discussion: The Task Force will
evaluate which radiation sources are
required to be secured based on
potential attractiveness of the source to
criminals and terrorists and the extent
of the threat to public health and safety.
The evaluation is to identify any
inconsistencies in the radiation source
lists used by various agencies and
determine whether additional sources
should be added to the lists. Some
examples of the source lists used by
various agencies follow. The NRC has
issued Orders that impose additional
security and control measures upon a
certain subset of NRC and Agreement
State licensees. The isotopes and
thresholds used as the basis of the
Orders was the IAEA Code of Conduct
Category 1 and Category 2, except
radium (Ra)-226, plus several additional
isotopes not listed in the Code of
Conduct [actinium (Ac)-227, polonium
(Po)-210, plutonium (Pu)-236, Pu-239,
Pu-240, thorium (Th)-228, and Th-229].
In addition, the NRC has issued Orders,
and the Agreement States have issued
legally-binding requirements, to a larger
subset of their respective licensees,
requiring implementation of additional
security and control measures. The
isotopes and thresholds used as the
basis was the IAEA Code of Conduct
Category 1 and Category 2, except Ra226. The NRC has also issued Orders to
licensees related to transportation of
radioactive material in quantities of
concern. The isotopes and thresholds
used as the basis for the transportation
Orders was the IAEA Code of Conduct
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Category 1 threshold, except Ra-226.
NRC has also issued a final rule on the
import and export of radioactive
material (70 FR 37985; July 1, 2005).
The list of isotopes and thresholds used
as the basis of the final rule was the
Category 1 and Category 2 thresholds as
defined by the Code of Conduct, except
Ra-226. The NRC plans to issue a final
rule to add Ra-226 to the import and
export radioactive material listing. The
NRC has also issued a proposed rule on
National Source Tracking of Sealed
Sources (70 FR 43646; July 28, 2005).
The isotopes and thresholds for the
tracking system are any source equal to
or greater than the Category 2 threshold
for the isotopes in the Code of Conduct,
plus several additional isotopes (Ac227, Po-210, Th-228, and Th-229).
Commenters are invited to provide
input on whether any inconsistencies in
the radiation source lists used for
different purposes are a cause for
concern, what additional sources should
be added to the list(s), and why they
should be added to the list(s). Factors to
be considered include: Radiation source
activity levels; radioactive half-life;
dispersability; chemical and material
form; the availability of the source to
physicians and patients for medical use;
consistency with the IAEA Code of
Conduct; consequence and risk of
malevolent use, and any other factors
determined to be appropriate. If other
factors are suggested for consideration,
the commenter should explain the basis
for including the factor. Commenters are
invited to provide input on which
factors are more important and should
be emphasized.
Topic 2
The national system for recovery of
lost or stolen radiation sources.
Discussion: There are several
activities that make up the system for
the recovery of lost or stolen sources.
One of the key aspects is to prevent
radiation sources from being lost or
stolen in the first place. NRC,
Agreement States, and DOE have
requirements for the safe and secure use
of radioactive material. NRC regulations
require licensees to secure licensed
materials that are stored in controlled or
unrestricted areas from unauthorized
removal or access. NRC regulations also
require licensees to control and
maintain constant surveillance of
licensed material that is in a controlled
or unrestricted area and that is not in
storage. Agreement States have similar
requirements.
Programs intended to foster better
control of sources include the NRC’s
General License Tracking System
(GLTS), the planned National Source
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Tracking System, and the NRC’s lost
source enforcement policy (December
18, 2000; 65 FR 79139). The
enforcement policy involves a civil
penalty that is 3 times the cost of
disposal for a source. This policy is
intended to discourage licensees from
improperly disposing of a source by
lessening the possible financial
attractiveness of abandoning the source
rather than disposing of it properly.
There is also a program for orphan
and unwanted sources. Emergency
source recoveries are handled under a
NRC/DOE Memorandum of
Understanding (65 FR 1184; January 7,
2000). Unwanted sources are handled
under DOE’s Off-Site Source Recovery
Program (OSRP). The Conference on
Radiation Control Program Directors has
a national orphan radioactive material
disposition program that tries to match
unwanted sources that do not have
disposal options (or are not readily
available or affordable) with licensees
that could use the source.
Another aspect of the national system
for recovery of lost or stolen radiation
sources is the requirement to report lost
or stolen material to the appropriate
regulatory agency. For the radioactive
sources being considered by the Task
Force, the regulations in 10 CFR 20.2201
require NRC licensees to immediately
upon discovery, report lost, stolen, or
missing material to the NRC Operations
Center. Agreement States have similar
requirements. NRC and the Agreement
States have procedures for handling the
reports of lost, stolen or missing
material and for coordinating with local,
state, and Federal agencies to seek
prompt recovery of such material. There
is also a Trilateral Initiative between the
United States, Mexico, and Canada on
the reporting of lost or stolen sources. In
addition, the U.S. Government is
cooperating with the IAEA and other
nations in tracking and combating illicit
trafficking of radioactive material.
Commenters are invited to provide
input on inconsistencies or perceived
gaps or overlaps in the source recovery
system. If commenters provide
recommendations for improvement of
the source recovery program, they
should explain the basis for the
recommended measure.
Topic 3
Storage of radiation sources that are
not used in a safe and secure manner.
Discussion: NRC, Agreement States,
and DOE have requirements for the safe
and secure storage of radiation sources,
whether in temporary or long-term
storage. NRC regulations require
licensees to secure from unauthorized
removal or access licensed materials
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that are stored in controlled or
unrestricted areas. NRC’s radiation
protection standards are located in 10
CFR part 20. Requirements on use of
radiation sources are located in 10 CFR
parts 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, and 70
for the various types and quantities of
material. Agreement States have similar
requirements. DOE’s radiation
protection standards are located in 10
CFR Part 810. Commenters should
address inconsistencies in storage
requirements, whether changes to
existing requirements for storage of
sources are warranted, and explain the
basis for any recommended changes.
Topic 4
The national source tracking system
for radiation sources.
Discussion: The requirements for the
National Source Tracking System
(NSTS) were addressed by an
Interagency Coordinating Committee on
source tracking. The Committee
developed the high-level requirements
for the tracking system. NRC is using
these high-level requirements to inform
the development of the system and the
development of a rule. The NRC
published the proposed rule on National
Source Tracking for public comment (70
FR 43646; July 28, 2005). The final rule
is scheduled to be published no later
than August 8, 2006. The final rule
could likely require transaction
reporting for Category 1 and Category 2
sources, plus Ac-227, Po-210, Th-228,
and Th-229. These additional
radionuclides were added because they
are used in the DOE lab system,
although they are rarely, if ever, used in
these quantities in the civilian sector.
The transactions to be reported include
manufacture, transfer, receipt,
disassembly, and disposal. The final
rule also could require that a licensee’s
initial inventory of Category 1 and
Category 2 sources be reported. In
addition, import/export notifications
will be recorded in the system, as well
as reports of lost, stolen, or missing
Category 1 and Category 2 sources. The
system is intended to capture the
domestic life cycle history of each
tracked source and will begin operation
in mid 2007. The system will contain
information on sources possessed by
NRC licensees, Agreement State
licensees, and DOE facilities. Factors to
be considered include whether
additional sources should be added to
the tracking system, whether different
thresholds should be considered
(particularly Category 3 quantities of the
IAEA Code of Conduct radionuclides of
concern), and whether additional
transaction reporting should be
required. Commenters are invited to
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make suggestions for future
modifications to the system and explain
the basis for any recommended changes.
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Topic 5
A national system to provide for the
proper disposal of radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC, Agreement States,
and DOE have requirements concerning
decommissioning and proper disposal
of radiation sources. Many licensees
return radiation sources to the
manufacturer at the end of the useful
source life. If sources are disposed of, it
must be at an authorized facility. Some
of the radiation sources would be
considered Greater than Class C (GTCC)
waste if they were to be disposed.
Disposal options are limited for GTCC
waste. (GTCC waste means low-level
radioactive waste that exceeds the
concentration limits of radionuclides
established for Class C waste in 10 CFR
61.55.)
NRC regulations on radiological
criteria for license termination are in 10
CFR part 20, subpart E and requirements
for disposal of material are located in 10
CFR part 20, Subpart K. Agreement
States have similar requirements. NRC
and Agreement States also have
requirements concerning
decommissioning funding. NRC’s
decommissioning financial assurance
requirements are located at 10 CFR
30.35. Part 30.35 establishes thresholds
for sealed sources containing byproduct
material below which financial
assurance is not required. For the most
commonly used radionuclides, these
thresholds are above the threshold for a
Category 1 or Category 2 source.
However, the threshold is based on total
authorized possession limits and not on
individual sources. NRC’s lost source
enforcement policy (December 18, 2000;
65 FR 79139) provides a civil penalty of
3 times the disposal cost for improperly
disposed sources. Commenters are
invited to address available disposal
options and the adequacy of
decommissioning funding requirements.
Commenters are also invited to address
the need for user fees to provide for the
proper disposal of radiation sources.
The basis for any recommendations
should be included as part of the
comments.
Topic 6
Import and export controls on
radiation sources to ensure that
recipients of radiation sources are able
and willing to adequately control
radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC and DOE have
programs controlling the import and
export of radiation sources. The DOE
program applies to DOE facilities and
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the NRC program applies to all other
entities. Entities must have a NRC
export license to export radiation
sources to other countries or an NRC
import license to import radiation
sources from other countries. NRC’s
regulations governing import and export
of radiation sources are located in 10
CFR part 110. The final rule on import/
export of Category 1 and Category 2
levels of radioactive material was
published on July 1, 2005 (70 FR
37985), and became effective on
December 28, 2005. The rule requires a
specific license for import or export of
Category 1 and Category 2 radiation
sources, except Ra-226. An amendment
will soon be promulgated to add Ra-226
to the regulations as mandated by the
Energy Policy Act of 2005. The
principal criterion for approving exports
is a finding that the export is not
inimical to the common defense and
security of the United States. This
finding is relevant to both the nuclear
proliferation significance of exports and
the related security concerns about
radioactive material falling into the
hands of non-country organizations,
including terrorist groups. In making its
inimicality determination, the
Commission will, in consultation with
the Executive Branch, consider whether
the importing country has the technical
and administrative capability, and the
resources and regulatory structure to
manage radioactive material in a safe
and secure manner. Commenters are
invited to address any perceived gaps in
the requirements for import and export
controls and whether additional
controls are necessary and why.
Topic 7
Procedures for improving the security
and control for use and storage of
radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC, Agreement States,
and DOE have requirements for the safe
and secure use of radiation sources.
DOE requirements for radiation
protection are located in 10 CFR Part
810. NRC regulations for the safe and
secure use of radiation sources can be
found in 10 CFR Parts 20, 30, 32, 33, 34,
35, 36, 39, and 70. The requirements
include a requirement for conducting
physical inventories. Agreement States
have similar requirements. In addition,
both NRC and Agreement States have
imposed additional controls on
licensees via Orders or other legally
binding requirements. Some of the
Orders contain sensitive information
that is not available to the public. These
additional security and control
measures address access control;
monitoring, detecting, assessing, and
responding to intrusions; liaison with
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local law enforcement agencies;
background investigations; protecting
against unauthorized disclosure of
sensitive unclassified information;
license verification; shipments and
transfers (domestic); and imports and
exports. Both NRC and Agreement
States have inspection programs to
evaluate whether licensees are meeting
the requirements and can take
enforcement actions against licensees to
ensure compliance. Commenters are
invited to provide input on
inconsistencies in the requirements, any
perceived overlaps in the requirements,
and additional measures needed to
address perceived gaps in the
requirements. If commenters provide
input for improvements of the programs,
they should explain the basis for the
recommended measure.
Topic 8
Procedures for improving the security
of transportation of radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC, DHS, and DOT have
requirements and procedures related to
transportation of radiation sources.
Regulations governing transportation of
radiation sources can be found in 10
CFR part 49 (DOT) and 10 CFR part 71
(NRC). Transportation security issues
includes domestic shipments, import/
export shipments, in-bond shipments,
and transhipments. NRC has also issued
Orders to licensees to enhance the
security of transportation of radioactive
material in quantities of concern (above
Category 1 threshold in the IAEA Code
of Conduct). These Orders contain
sensitive information that is not
available to the public. However, they
generally address preplanning and
coordination, advance notification of
shipments, control and monitoring of
underway shipments, trustworthiness
and reliability, and information
security. Transportation security for
IAEA Category 2 quantities was
included in the additional controls
discussed in Topic 7 above.
Commenters are invited to provide
input on inconsistencies in the
transportation requirements, any
perceived overlaps in the requirements,
and additional measures needed to
address perceived gaps in the
requirements. If commenters provide
input for improvements of the programs,
they should explain the basis for the
recommended measure.
Topic 9
Background checks for individuals
with access to radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC, DOE, and DOT have
requirements for background checks for
individuals that have access to radiation
sources during use, storage, or
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transportation. DOT requires a security
threat assessment including
fingerprinting and an intelligence and
immigration check for the drivers of
trucks hauling certain radioactive
sources. The Energy Policy Act of 2005
amends section 149 of the Atomic
Energy Act to require fingerprinting, for
criminal history check purposes, for
individuals or entities that are: (1)
Licensed or certified to engage in an
activity subject to regulation by the
Commission; (2) have filed an
application for a license or certificate to
engage in an activity subject to
regulation by the Commission; or (3)
have notified the Commission in writing
of an intent to file an application for
licensing, certification, permitting, or
approval of a product or activity subject
to regulation by the Commission. The
key employees of these entities would
be required to be fingerprinted if they
have, among other things: (1)
Unescorted access to radioactive
material or other property subject to
regulation by the Commission that the
NRC determines to be of such
significance to the public health and
safety or the common defense and
security as to warrant fingerprinting and
background checks; or (2) access to
Safeguards Information.
Commenters are invited to provide
input on inconsistencies in the
requirements, any perceived overlaps in
the requirements, and any additional
measures needed to address perceived
gaps in the background check
requirements. If commenters provide
input for improvements of the programs,
they should explain the basis for the
recommended measure.
rmajette on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
Topic 10
Alternative technologies.
Discussion: EPA and NRC have
conducted and/or sponsored research in
the area of alternative technologies.
Some of the projects are ongoing. As
required by the Energy Policy Act of
2005, NRC has recently entered into an
arrangement with the National Academy
of Sciences to conduct an analysis of
alternative technologies. The effort will
not be concluded until 2007. Alternative
technologies may be available that could
perform some or all of the functions
performed by devices or processes that
employ radiation sources. Use of these
alternative technologies could result in
the reduction in the number of radiation
sources or in the replacement of
radiation sources with sources that
would pose a lower risk to the public
health and safety in the event of an
accident or attack involving the
radiation source. Commenters are
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 10, 2006
Jkt 208001
invited to provide information on
potential impacts of the use of
alternative technologies and information
on potential alternative technologies for
consideration by the Task Force.
Commenters are also invited to suggest
regulatory approaches and possible
incentives that could encourage the use
of alternative technologies.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
Sunshine Act Meeting
At times, changes in Commission
priorities require alterations in the
scheduling of meeting items. For further
information and to ascertain what, if
any, matters have been added, deleted
or postponed, please contact:
The Office of the Secretary at (202)
551–5400.
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to
the provisions of the Government in the
Sunshine Act, Public Law 94–409, that
the Securities and Exchange
Commission will hold the following
meeting during the week of January 9,
2006:
A Closed Meeting will be held on
Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
Commissioners, Counsel to the
Commissioners, the Secretary to the
Commission, and recording secretaries
will attend the Closed Meeting. Certain
staff members who have an interest in
the matters may also be present.
The General Counsel of the
Commission, or his designee, has
certified that, in his opinion, one or
more of the exemptions set forth in 5
U.S.C. 552b(c), (3), (5), (7), (8), (9)(B),
and (10) and 17 CFR 200.402(a), (3), (5),
(7), (8), 9(ii) and (10) permit
consideration of the scheduled matters
at the Closed Meeting.
Commissioner Nazareth, as duty
officer, voted to consider the items
listed for the closed meeting in closed
session and that no earlier notice thereof
was possible.
The subject matter of the Closed
Meeting scheduled for Thursday,
January 12, 2006 will be:
Formal orders of investigations;
Institution and settlement of
injunctive actions;
Institution and settlement of
administrative proceedings of an
enforcement nature;
Regulatory matters involving financial
institutions;
Adjudicatory matters; and
Request for information in an
investigative file.
At times, changes in Commission
priorities require alterations in the
scheduling of meeting items.
For further information and to
ascertain what, if any, matters have been
added, deleted or postponed, please
contact:
The Office of the Secretary at (202)
551–5400.
Dated: January 6, 2006.
J. Lynn Taylor,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 06–254 Filed 1–6–06; 4:05 pm]
Dated: January 6, 2006.
J. Lynn Taylor,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 06–262 Filed 1–9–06; 10:52 am]
BILLING CODE 8010–01–P
BILLING CODE 8010–01–P
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 5th day
of January, 2006.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Margaret V. Federline,
Deputy Director, Office of Nuclear Material
Safety and Safeguards.
[FR Doc. E6–156 Filed 1–10–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
Sunshine Act Meeting
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to
the provisions of the Government in the
Sunshine Act, Public Law 94–409, that
the Securities and Exchange
Commission will hold the following
meeting during the week of January 16,
2006:
An open meeting will be held on
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 10 a.m. in
Room L–002, the Auditorium.
The subject matter of the open
meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January
17, 2006 will be:
The Commission will consider whether to
propose amendments to the disclosure
requirements for executive and director
compensation, related party transactions,
director independence and other corporate
governance matters, and securities ownership
of officers and directors. The Commission
will also consider whether to propose
amendments to require most of the disclosure
in proxy and information statements to be
provided in plain English.
For further information, please contact
Anne Krauskopf or Carolyn Sherman,
Division of Corporation Finance at (202) 551–
3500 or, with regard to investment
companies and business development
companies, Kieran Brown, Division of
Investment Management at (202) 551–6784.
PO 00000
Frm 00050
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11JAN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 11, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1776-1780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-156]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Radiation Source Protection and Security Task Force; Request for
Public Comment
AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Request for public comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has established an
interagency task force to evaluate and make recommendations on the
protection and security of radiation sources. The Radiation Source
Protection and Security Task Force (Task Force) is required by the
Energy Policy Act of 2005. As part of the Task Force's considerations,
it is seeking public input on the major issues before the Task Force.
To aid in that process, the NRC is requesting comments on the issues
discussed in this notice.
[[Page 1777]]
DATES: The comment period expires February 10, 2006. Comments received
after this date will be considered if it is practical to do so, but the
Task Force is able to assure consideration only for comments received
on or before this date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any one of the following methods.
Please include the following number (RSPS-TF) in the subject line of
your comments. Comments submitted in writing or in electronic form will
be made available to the public in their entirety. Personal information
will not be removed from your comments.
Mail comments to: Chief, Rules and Directives Branch, Division of
Administrative Services, Office of Administration, Mail Stop T6-D59,
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.
E-mail comments to: NRCREP@nrc.gov.
Hand deliver comments to: 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland
20852, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Federal workdays. (Telephone
(301) 415-7163).
Fax comments to: Chief, Rules and Directives Branch, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission at (301) 415-5144.
Publicly available documents related to this activity may be
examined and copied for a fee at the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR),
Public File Area O1 F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike,
Rockville, Maryland.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Merri Horn, Office of Nuclear Material
Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington,
DC 20555-0001, telephone (301) 415-8126, e-mail, mlh1@nrc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
New section 170H.f. of the Atomic Energy Act, added by section
651(d) by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58), requires the
establishment of an inter-agency task force on radiation source
protection and security. The Task Force was established to evaluate and
provide recommendations relating to the security of radiation sources
in the United States from potential criminal or terrorist threats,
including acts of sabotage, theft, or use of a radiation source in a
radiological dispersal device. The Task Force is comprised of
representatives of the NRC, Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of
Transportation (DOT), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of State
(DOS), Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Health and Human
Services/Food and Drug Administration (HHS/FDA). The Committee is
chaired by NRC.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires the Task Force to evaluate
and make recommendations for possible regulatory and legislative
changes on several specific topics related to the protection and
security of sources. For the purposes of the Task Force, the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 defines a radiation source as a Category 1 Source or
a Category 2 Source as defined in the Code of Conduct \1\ and any other
material that the Commission, by regulation, defines as a radiation
source for the purposes of section 170H. Spent nuclear fuel and special
nuclear materials (plutonium and uranium isotopes) are excluded. The
Task Force is required to submit its report to Congress and the
President. The first report is to be submitted no later than August 8,
2006, with subsequent reports to be submitted not less than once every
4 years. The topics being considered by the Task Force in the first
report are discussed in section III.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ ``Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive
Sources,'' approved by the Board of Governors of the International
Atomic Energy Agency and dated September 8, 2003.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This document provides the public with the opportunity to comment
on the topics to be considered by the Task Force.
II. Request for Written and Electronic Comments
The Task Force is soliciting comments on the topics presented in
section III of this document. Comments may be submitted either in
writing or electronically as indicated under the ADDRESSES heading.
This paper provides some background on the major topics that the Task
Force will be considering.
Based on the comments received in both written or electronic form,
the Task Force will be in a better position to evaluate the issues and
make appropriate recommendations for regulatory or legislative action.
III. Topics for Discussion
The following format is used in the presentation of the topics that
follow. Each topic is assigned a number with a short title, and
includes a topic description paragraph and for some topics, a listing
of factors for consideration. The topics being addressed in this
document are those topics which the Energy Policy Act of 2005 specifies
that the Task Force must address in its report. Other topics may be
considered in future reports. The public and industry are invited to
(1) Address any inconsistencies that may be a cause for concern or are
perceived to present problems in implementation of the program; (2)
address any perceived gaps or overlaps in the programs; (3) provide
suggestions for modifications to the current programs mentioned in each
topic; and (4) propose regulatory or legislative changes for each topic
as appropriate. The public feedback will be considered during the Task
Force's review of each topic. Commenters may also provide topic
suggestions for Task Force consideration in future reports.
Topic No. 1
The list of radiation sources requiring security based on potential
attractiveness of the source to terrorists and the extent of the threat
to public health and safety.
Discussion: The Task Force will evaluate which radiation sources
are required to be secured based on potential attractiveness of the
source to criminals and terrorists and the extent of the threat to
public health and safety. The evaluation is to identify any
inconsistencies in the radiation source lists used by various agencies
and determine whether additional sources should be added to the lists.
Some examples of the source lists used by various agencies follow. The
NRC has issued Orders that impose additional security and control
measures upon a certain subset of NRC and Agreement State licensees.
The isotopes and thresholds used as the basis of the Orders was the
IAEA Code of Conduct Category 1 and Category 2, except radium (Ra)-226,
plus several additional isotopes not listed in the Code of Conduct
[actinium (Ac)-227, polonium (Po)-210, plutonium (Pu)-236, Pu-239, Pu-
240, thorium (Th)-228, and Th-229]. In addition, the NRC has issued
Orders, and the Agreement States have issued legally-binding
requirements, to a larger subset of their respective licensees,
requiring implementation of additional security and control measures.
The isotopes and thresholds used as the basis was the IAEA Code of
Conduct Category 1 and Category 2, except Ra-226. The NRC has also
issued Orders to licensees related to transportation of radioactive
material in quantities of concern. The isotopes and thresholds used as
the basis for the transportation Orders was the IAEA Code of Conduct
[[Page 1778]]
Category 1 threshold, except Ra-226. NRC has also issued a final rule
on the import and export of radioactive material (70 FR 37985; July 1,
2005). The list of isotopes and thresholds used as the basis of the
final rule was the Category 1 and Category 2 thresholds as defined by
the Code of Conduct, except Ra-226. The NRC plans to issue a final rule
to add Ra-226 to the import and export radioactive material listing.
The NRC has also issued a proposed rule on National Source Tracking of
Sealed Sources (70 FR 43646; July 28, 2005). The isotopes and
thresholds for the tracking system are any source equal to or greater
than the Category 2 threshold for the isotopes in the Code of Conduct,
plus several additional isotopes (Ac-227, Po-210, Th-228, and Th-229).
Commenters are invited to provide input on whether any inconsistencies
in the radiation source lists used for different purposes are a cause
for concern, what additional sources should be added to the list(s),
and why they should be added to the list(s). Factors to be considered
include: Radiation source activity levels; radioactive half-life;
dispersability; chemical and material form; the availability of the
source to physicians and patients for medical use; consistency with the
IAEA Code of Conduct; consequence and risk of malevolent use, and any
other factors determined to be appropriate. If other factors are
suggested for consideration, the commenter should explain the basis for
including the factor. Commenters are invited to provide input on which
factors are more important and should be emphasized.
Topic 2
The national system for recovery of lost or stolen radiation
sources.
Discussion: There are several activities that make up the system
for the recovery of lost or stolen sources. One of the key aspects is
to prevent radiation sources from being lost or stolen in the first
place. NRC, Agreement States, and DOE have requirements for the safe
and secure use of radioactive material. NRC regulations require
licensees to secure licensed materials that are stored in controlled or
unrestricted areas from unauthorized removal or access. NRC regulations
also require licensees to control and maintain constant surveillance of
licensed material that is in a controlled or unrestricted area and that
is not in storage. Agreement States have similar requirements.
Programs intended to foster better control of sources include the
NRC's General License Tracking System (GLTS), the planned National
Source Tracking System, and the NRC's lost source enforcement policy
(December 18, 2000; 65 FR 79139). The enforcement policy involves a
civil penalty that is 3 times the cost of disposal for a source. This
policy is intended to discourage licensees from improperly disposing of
a source by lessening the possible financial attractiveness of
abandoning the source rather than disposing of it properly.
There is also a program for orphan and unwanted sources. Emergency
source recoveries are handled under a NRC/DOE Memorandum of
Understanding (65 FR 1184; January 7, 2000). Unwanted sources are
handled under DOE's Off-Site Source Recovery Program (OSRP). The
Conference on Radiation Control Program Directors has a national orphan
radioactive material disposition program that tries to match unwanted
sources that do not have disposal options (or are not readily available
or affordable) with licensees that could use the source.
Another aspect of the national system for recovery of lost or
stolen radiation sources is the requirement to report lost or stolen
material to the appropriate regulatory agency. For the radioactive
sources being considered by the Task Force, the regulations in 10 CFR
20.2201 require NRC licensees to immediately upon discovery, report
lost, stolen, or missing material to the NRC Operations Center.
Agreement States have similar requirements. NRC and the Agreement
States have procedures for handling the reports of lost, stolen or
missing material and for coordinating with local, state, and Federal
agencies to seek prompt recovery of such material. There is also a
Trilateral Initiative between the United States, Mexico, and Canada on
the reporting of lost or stolen sources. In addition, the U.S.
Government is cooperating with the IAEA and other nations in tracking
and combating illicit trafficking of radioactive material. Commenters
are invited to provide input on inconsistencies or perceived gaps or
overlaps in the source recovery system. If commenters provide
recommendations for improvement of the source recovery program, they
should explain the basis for the recommended measure.
Topic 3
Storage of radiation sources that are not used in a safe and secure
manner.
Discussion: NRC, Agreement States, and DOE have requirements for
the safe and secure storage of radiation sources, whether in temporary
or long-term storage. NRC regulations require licensees to secure from
unauthorized removal or access licensed materials that are stored in
controlled or unrestricted areas. NRC's radiation protection standards
are located in 10 CFR part 20. Requirements on use of radiation sources
are located in 10 CFR parts 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, and 70 for the
various types and quantities of material. Agreement States have similar
requirements. DOE's radiation protection standards are located in 10
CFR Part 810. Commenters should address inconsistencies in storage
requirements, whether changes to existing requirements for storage of
sources are warranted, and explain the basis for any recommended
changes.
Topic 4
The national source tracking system for radiation sources.
Discussion: The requirements for the National Source Tracking
System (NSTS) were addressed by an Interagency Coordinating Committee
on source tracking. The Committee developed the high-level requirements
for the tracking system. NRC is using these high-level requirements to
inform the development of the system and the development of a rule. The
NRC published the proposed rule on National Source Tracking for public
comment (70 FR 43646; July 28, 2005). The final rule is scheduled to be
published no later than August 8, 2006. The final rule could likely
require transaction reporting for Category 1 and Category 2 sources,
plus Ac-227, Po-210, Th-228, and Th-229. These additional radionuclides
were added because they are used in the DOE lab system, although they
are rarely, if ever, used in these quantities in the civilian sector.
The transactions to be reported include manufacture, transfer, receipt,
disassembly, and disposal. The final rule also could require that a
licensee's initial inventory of Category 1 and Category 2 sources be
reported. In addition, import/export notifications will be recorded in
the system, as well as reports of lost, stolen, or missing Category 1
and Category 2 sources. The system is intended to capture the domestic
life cycle history of each tracked source and will begin operation in
mid 2007. The system will contain information on sources possessed by
NRC licensees, Agreement State licensees, and DOE facilities. Factors
to be considered include whether additional sources should be added to
the tracking system, whether different thresholds should be considered
(particularly Category 3 quantities of the IAEA Code of Conduct
radionuclides of concern), and whether additional transaction reporting
should be required. Commenters are invited to
[[Page 1779]]
make suggestions for future modifications to the system and explain the
basis for any recommended changes.
Topic 5
A national system to provide for the proper disposal of radiation
sources.
Discussion: NRC, Agreement States, and DOE have requirements
concerning decommissioning and proper disposal of radiation sources.
Many licensees return radiation sources to the manufacturer at the end
of the useful source life. If sources are disposed of, it must be at an
authorized facility. Some of the radiation sources would be considered
Greater than Class C (GTCC) waste if they were to be disposed. Disposal
options are limited for GTCC waste. (GTCC waste means low-level
radioactive waste that exceeds the concentration limits of
radionuclides established for Class C waste in 10 CFR 61.55.)
NRC regulations on radiological criteria for license termination
are in 10 CFR part 20, subpart E and requirements for disposal of
material are located in 10 CFR part 20, Subpart K. Agreement States
have similar requirements. NRC and Agreement States also have
requirements concerning decommissioning funding. NRC's decommissioning
financial assurance requirements are located at 10 CFR 30.35. Part
30.35 establishes thresholds for sealed sources containing byproduct
material below which financial assurance is not required. For the most
commonly used radionuclides, these thresholds are above the threshold
for a Category 1 or Category 2 source. However, the threshold is based
on total authorized possession limits and not on individual sources.
NRC's lost source enforcement policy (December 18, 2000; 65 FR 79139)
provides a civil penalty of 3 times the disposal cost for improperly
disposed sources. Commenters are invited to address available disposal
options and the adequacy of decommissioning funding requirements.
Commenters are also invited to address the need for user fees to
provide for the proper disposal of radiation sources. The basis for any
recommendations should be included as part of the comments.
Topic 6
Import and export controls on radiation sources to ensure that
recipients of radiation sources are able and willing to adequately
control radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC and DOE have programs controlling the import and
export of radiation sources. The DOE program applies to DOE facilities
and the NRC program applies to all other entities. Entities must have a
NRC export license to export radiation sources to other countries or an
NRC import license to import radiation sources from other countries.
NRC's regulations governing import and export of radiation sources are
located in 10 CFR part 110. The final rule on import/export of Category
1 and Category 2 levels of radioactive material was published on July
1, 2005 (70 FR 37985), and became effective on December 28, 2005. The
rule requires a specific license for import or export of Category 1 and
Category 2 radiation sources, except Ra-226. An amendment will soon be
promulgated to add Ra-226 to the regulations as mandated by the Energy
Policy Act of 2005. The principal criterion for approving exports is a
finding that the export is not inimical to the common defense and
security of the United States. This finding is relevant to both the
nuclear proliferation significance of exports and the related security
concerns about radioactive material falling into the hands of non-
country organizations, including terrorist groups. In making its
inimicality determination, the Commission will, in consultation with
the Executive Branch, consider whether the importing country has the
technical and administrative capability, and the resources and
regulatory structure to manage radioactive material in a safe and
secure manner. Commenters are invited to address any perceived gaps in
the requirements for import and export controls and whether additional
controls are necessary and why.
Topic 7
Procedures for improving the security and control for use and
storage of radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC, Agreement States, and DOE have requirements for
the safe and secure use of radiation sources. DOE requirements for
radiation protection are located in 10 CFR Part 810. NRC regulations
for the safe and secure use of radiation sources can be found in 10 CFR
Parts 20, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, and 70. The requirements include
a requirement for conducting physical inventories. Agreement States
have similar requirements. In addition, both NRC and Agreement States
have imposed additional controls on licensees via Orders or other
legally binding requirements. Some of the Orders contain sensitive
information that is not available to the public. These additional
security and control measures address access control; monitoring,
detecting, assessing, and responding to intrusions; liaison with local
law enforcement agencies; background investigations; protecting against
unauthorized disclosure of sensitive unclassified information; license
verification; shipments and transfers (domestic); and imports and
exports. Both NRC and Agreement States have inspection programs to
evaluate whether licensees are meeting the requirements and can take
enforcement actions against licensees to ensure compliance. Commenters
are invited to provide input on inconsistencies in the requirements,
any perceived overlaps in the requirements, and additional measures
needed to address perceived gaps in the requirements. If commenters
provide input for improvements of the programs, they should explain the
basis for the recommended measure.
Topic 8
Procedures for improving the security of transportation of
radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC, DHS, and DOT have requirements and procedures
related to transportation of radiation sources. Regulations governing
transportation of radiation sources can be found in 10 CFR part 49
(DOT) and 10 CFR part 71 (NRC). Transportation security issues includes
domestic shipments, import/export shipments, in-bond shipments, and
transhipments. NRC has also issued Orders to licensees to enhance the
security of transportation of radioactive material in quantities of
concern (above Category 1 threshold in the IAEA Code of Conduct). These
Orders contain sensitive information that is not available to the
public. However, they generally address preplanning and coordination,
advance notification of shipments, control and monitoring of underway
shipments, trustworthiness and reliability, and information security.
Transportation security for IAEA Category 2 quantities was included in
the additional controls discussed in Topic 7 above. Commenters are
invited to provide input on inconsistencies in the transportation
requirements, any perceived overlaps in the requirements, and
additional measures needed to address perceived gaps in the
requirements. If commenters provide input for improvements of the
programs, they should explain the basis for the recommended measure.
Topic 9
Background checks for individuals with access to radiation sources.
Discussion: NRC, DOE, and DOT have requirements for background
checks for individuals that have access to radiation sources during
use, storage, or
[[Page 1780]]
transportation. DOT requires a security threat assessment including
fingerprinting and an intelligence and immigration check for the
drivers of trucks hauling certain radioactive sources. The Energy
Policy Act of 2005 amends section 149 of the Atomic Energy Act to
require fingerprinting, for criminal history check purposes, for
individuals or entities that are: (1) Licensed or certified to engage
in an activity subject to regulation by the Commission; (2) have filed
an application for a license or certificate to engage in an activity
subject to regulation by the Commission; or (3) have notified the
Commission in writing of an intent to file an application for
licensing, certification, permitting, or approval of a product or
activity subject to regulation by the Commission. The key employees of
these entities would be required to be fingerprinted if they have,
among other things: (1) Unescorted access to radioactive material or
other property subject to regulation by the Commission that the NRC
determines to be of such significance to the public health and safety
or the common defense and security as to warrant fingerprinting and
background checks; or (2) access to Safeguards Information.
Commenters are invited to provide input on inconsistencies in the
requirements, any perceived overlaps in the requirements, and any
additional measures needed to address perceived gaps in the background
check requirements. If commenters provide input for improvements of the
programs, they should explain the basis for the recommended measure.
Topic 10
Alternative technologies.
Discussion: EPA and NRC have conducted and/or sponsored research in
the area of alternative technologies. Some of the projects are ongoing.
As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, NRC has recently entered
into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an
analysis of alternative technologies. The effort will not be concluded
until 2007. Alternative technologies may be available that could
perform some or all of the functions performed by devices or processes
that employ radiation sources. Use of these alternative technologies
could result in the reduction in the number of radiation sources or in
the replacement of radiation sources with sources that would pose a
lower risk to the public health and safety in the event of an accident
or attack involving the radiation source. Commenters are invited to
provide information on potential impacts of the use of alternative
technologies and information on potential alternative technologies for
consideration by the Task Force. Commenters are also invited to suggest
regulatory approaches and possible incentives that could encourage the
use of alternative technologies.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 5th day of January, 2006.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Margaret V. Federline,
Deputy Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.
[FR Doc. E6-156 Filed 1-10-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P
