Proposed Approval of the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project's Transuranic Waste Characterization Program at Idaho National Laboratory, 43150-43154 [E6-12215]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 146 / Monday, July 31, 2006 / Notices
Address: 4455 Porter Road, Niagara
Falls, NY 14205.
At these meetings, resource agency
personnel and other interested persons
will have the opportunity to provide
oral and written comments and
recommendations regarding the draft
EIS. The meetings will be recorded by
a court reporter, and all statements
(verbal and written) will become part of
the Commission’s public record for the
project. These meetings are posted on
the Commission’s calendar located at
https://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/
EventsList.aspx along with other related
information.
Whether, or not you attend one of
these meetings, you are invited to
submit written comments on the draft
EIS. Comments should be filed with
Magalie R. Salas, Secretary, Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
First Street, N.E., Washington, DC
20426. All comments must be filed by
September 19, 2006, and should
reference Project No. 2216–066.
Comments may be filed electronically
via the Internet in lieu of paper. The
Commission strongly encourages
electronic filings. See 18 CFR
385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and instructions on
the Commission’s Web site at https://
www.ferc.gov under the ‘‘e-Library’’
link.
The Commission staff will consider
comments made on the draft EIS in
preparing a final EIS for the project.
Before the Commission makes a
licensing decision, it will take into
account all concerns relevant to the
public interest. The final EIS will be
part of the record from which the
Commission will make its decision.
For further information, contact Steve
Kartalia at (202) 502–6131 or at
Stephen.Kartalia@ferc.gov.
Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6–12236 Filed 7–28–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–8204–3]
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Science Advisory Board Staff Office
Notification of an Upcoming Closed
Meeting of the Science Advisory
Board’s Scientific and Technological
Achievement Awards Committee—
Closed Meeting
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA), Science
Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office
announces a closed meeting of the
SAB’s Scientific and Technological
Achievement Awards Committee to
recommend to the Administrator the
recipients of the Agency’s 2006
Scientific and Technological
Achievement Awards.
DATES:
August 21–23, 2006.
This closed meeting will
take place at the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Washington,
DC.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Members of the public who wish to
obtain further information regarding this
announcement may contact Ms. Vivian
Turner, Designated Federal Officer, by
telephone: (202) 343–9697 or e-mail at:
turner.vivian@epa.gov.
The SAB mailing address is: U.S. EPA
Science Advisory Board (1400F), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20460. General
information about the SAB as well as
any updates concerning the meeting
announced in this notice, may be found
in the SAB Web site at: https://
www.epa.gov/sab/panels/
staa_rev_panel_fy2006-fy2009.htm.
Pursuant
to Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. 2,
and section (c)(6) of the Government in
the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6),
EPA has determined that the meeting
will be closed to the public. The
purpose of the meeting is for the SAB
to recommend to the Administrator the
recipients of the Agency’s 2006
Scientific and Technological
Achievement Awards. These awards are
established to honor and recognize EPA
employees who have made outstanding
contributions in the advancement of
science and technology through their
research and development activities, as
exhibited by publication of their results
in peer reviewed journals. This meeting
is closed to the public because it is
concerned with selecting which
employees are deserving of awards, a
personnel matter with privacy concerns,
which is exempt from public disclosure
pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5
U.S.C. App. 2, and section (c)(6) of the
Government in the Sunshine Act, 5
U.S.C. 552b(c)(6). In accordance with
the provisions of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, minutes of the meeting
will be kept for Agency and
Congressional review.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Dated: July 25, 2006.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E6–12214 Filed 7–28–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0597; FRL–8204–5]
Proposed Approval of the Advanced
Mixed Waste Treatment Project’s
Transuranic Waste Characterization
Program at Idaho National Laboratory
Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Notice of availability; opening
of public comment period.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
Agency (‘‘EPA’’ or ‘‘we’’) is announcing
the availability of, and soliciting public
comments for 45 days on, the proposed
approval of the radioactive, transuranic
(‘‘TRU’’) waste characterization program
implemented by the Advanced Mixed
Waste Treatment Project (‘‘AMWTP’’) at
Idaho National Laboratory (‘‘INL’’). This
waste is intended for disposal at the
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (‘‘WIPP’’) in
New Mexico. In accordance with the
WIPP Compliance Criteria, EPA
evaluated the AMWTP/INL’s
characterization of TRU debris and solid
waste from AMWTP/INL during an
inspection conducted March 27–March
31, 2006. Using the systems and
processes developed as part of the
Department of Energy’s (‘‘DOE’s’’)
Carlsbad Field Office (‘‘CBFO’’), EPA
verified whether DOE could adequately
characterize TRU waste consistent with
the Compliance Criteria. The results of
EPA’s evaluation of the AMWTP/INL
program and the proposed approval are
described in EPA’s inspection report,
which is available for review in the
public dockets listed in ADDRESSES. We
will consider public comments received
on or before the due date mentioned in
DATES.
This notice summarizes the waste
characterization processes evaluated by
EPA and EPA’s proposed approval. As
required by 40 CFR 194.8, at the end of
a 45-day comment period, EPA will
evaluate public comments received,
finalize the report responding to the
relevant public comments, and issue the
final report and an approval letter to
DOE’s CBFO. Based on previous EPA
inspections and approvals, AMWTP/
INL is currently approved to dispose of
debris and solid waste at WIPP.
AMWTP/INL is permitted to continue
waste characterization and disposal in
accordance with prior site approvals
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while EPA establishes a baseline
approval.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before September 14, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2006–0597, by one of the
following methods:
• www.regulations.gov: Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• E-mail: to a-and-r-docket@epa.gov
• Fax: 202–566–1741
• Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and
Information Center, Environmental
Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Attn: Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–
2006–0597. The Agency’s policy is that
all comments received will be included
in the public docket without change and
may be made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or e-mail. The www.regulations.gov Web
site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system,
which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless
you provide it in the body of your
comment. If you send an e-mail
comment directly to EPA without going
through www.regulations.gov, your email address will be automatically
captured and included as part of the
comment that is placed in the public
docket and made available on the
Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, EPA recommends that you
include your name and other contact
information in the body of your
comment and with any disk or CD–ROM
you submit. If EPA cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties
and cannot contact you for clarification,
EPA may not be able to consider your
comment. Electronic files should avoid
the use of special characters, any form
of encryption, and be free of any defects
or viruses. For additional information
about EPA’s public docket, visit the EPA
Docket Center homepage at https://
www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
Docket: All documents in the docket
are listed in the www.regulations.gov
index. Although listed in the index,
some information is not publicly
available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
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copyrighted material, will be publicly
available only in hard copy. Publicly
available docket materials are available
either electronically at
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA
Docket Center, (EPA/DC) EPA West,
Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave.,
NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket
Center Public Reading Room is open
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the
Public Reading Room is 202–566–1744,
and the telephone number for the Air
and Radiation Docket is (202) 566–1742.
These documents are also available for
review in hard-copy form at the
following three EPA WIPP informational
docket locations in New Mexico: In
Carlsbad at the Municipal Library,
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–9
p.m., Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–
6 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.,
phone number: 505–885–0731; in
Albuquerque at the Government
Publications Department, Zimmerman
Library, University of New Mexico,
Hours: Vary by semester, phone
number: 505–277–2003; and in Santa Fe
at the New Mexico State Library, Hours:
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., phone
number: 505–476–9700. As provided in
EPA’s regulations at 40 CFR Part 2, and
in accordance with normal EPA docket
procedures, if copies of any docket
materials are requested, a reasonable fee
may be charged for photocopying.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rajani Joglekar, Radiation Protection
Division, Center for Federal Regulations,
Mail Code 6608J, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Avenue, Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number: 202–343–9601; fax
number: 202–343–2305; e-mail address:
joglekar.rajani@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. What Should I Consider as I Prepare
My Comments for EPA?
1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this
information to EPA through
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly
mark the part or all of the information
that you claim to be CBI. For CBI
information in a disk or CD ROM that
you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the
disk or CD ROM as CBI and then
identify electronically within the disk or
CD ROM the specific information that is
claimed as CBI. In addition to one
complete version of the comment that
includes information claimed as CBI, a
copy of the comment that does not
contain the information claimed as CBI
must be submitted for inclusion in the
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public docket. Information so marked
will not be disclosed except in
accordance with procedures set forth in
40 CFR part 2.
2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments.
When submitting comments, remember
to:
• Identify the rulemaking by docket
number and other identifying
information (subject heading, Federal
Register date and page number).
• Follow directions—The agency may
ask you to respond to specific questions
or organize comments by referencing a
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part
or section number.
• Explain why you agree or disagree;
suggest alternatives and substitute
language for your requested changes.
• Describe any assumptions and
provide any technical information and/
or data that you used.
• If you estimate potential costs or
burdens, explain how you arrived at
your estimate in sufficient detail to
allow for it to be reproduced.
• Provide specific examples to
illustrate your concerns, and suggest
alternatives.
• Explain your views as clearly as
possible, avoiding the use of profanity
or personal threats.
• Make sure to submit your
comments by the comment period
deadline identified.
II. Background
DOE is developing the WIPP near
Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico as
a deep geologic repository for disposal
of TRU radioactive waste. As defined by
the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act (LWA)
of 1992 (Pub. L. 102–579), as amended
(Pub. L. 104–201), TRU waste consists
of materials containing processes having
atomic numbers greater than 92 (with
half-lives greater than twenty years), in
concentrations greater than 100
nanocuries of alpha-emitting TRU
isotopes per gram of waste. Much of the
existing TRU waste consists of items
contaminated during the production of
nuclear weapons, such as rags,
equipment, tools, and sludges.
On May 13, 1998, EPA announced its
final compliance certification decision
to the Secretary of Energy (published
May 18, 1998, 63 FR 27354). This
decision stated that the WIPP will
comply with EPA’s radioactive waste
disposal regulations at 40 CFR part 191,
Subparts B and C.
The final WIPP certification decision
includes conditions that (1) prohibit
shipment of TRU waste for disposal at
WIPP from any site other than the Los
Alamos National Laboratories (LANL)
until the EPA determines that the site
has established and executed a quality
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assurance program, in accordance with
§§ 194.22(a)(2)(i), 194.24(c)(3), and
194.24(c)(5) for waste characterization
activities and assumptions (Condition 2
of Appendix A to 40 CFR part 194); and
(2) (with the exception of specific,
limited waste streams and equipment at
LANL) prohibit shipment of TRU waste
for disposal at WIPP (from LANL or any
other site) until EPA has approved the
procedures developed to comply with
the waste characterization requirements
of § 194.22(c)(4) (Condition 3 of
Appendix A to 40 CFR part 194). The
EPA’s approval process for waste
generator sites is described in § 194.8.
In July 2004, EPA promulgated
changes to the ‘‘Criteria for the
Certification and Recertification of the
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant’s Compliance
with Disposal Regulations’’ (69 FR
42571–42583, July 16, 2004). These
changes went into effect October 14,
2004, which modified the EPA approval
of waste characterization (‘‘WC’’)
programs at DOE’s TRU waste sites.
These revisions provide equivalent or
improved oversight and better
prioritization of technical issues in EPA
inspections to evaluate WC activities at
DOE WIPP waste generator sites, and
also offer more direct public input into
the Agency’s decisions about what
waste can be disposed of at WIPP. They
do not modify the technical approach
that EPA has employed since the 1998
WIPP Certification Decision.
Condition 3 of the WIPP Certification
Decision requires that EPA conduct
independent inspections at DOE’s waste
generator/storage sites of their TRU
waste characterization capabilities
before approving their program and the
waste for disposal at the WIPP. The
revised inspection and approval process
gives EPA greater (a) discretion in
establishing technical priorities, (b)
ability to accommodate variation in the
site’s waste characterization
capabilities, and (c) flexibility in
scheduling site WC inspections. The
§ 194.8 changes require that EPA
conduct a baseline inspection at every
previously approved TRU site (such as
AMWTP/INL). EPA expects that within
two years after the effective date of
October 2004 most of the previously
approved TRU sites (such as Hanford,
Los Alamos CCP, and Savannah River
Site CCP) will undergo EPA baseline
inspections. Following these
inspections, the Agency will issue a
new baseline compliance decision for
these sites.
As part of the baseline inspection,
EPA must evaluate each WC process
component (equipment, procedures, and
personnel training/experience) for its
adequacy and appropriateness in
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characterizing TRU waste destined for
the disposal at WIPP. During the
inspection, the site demonstrates its
capabilities to characterize TRU waste(s)
and its ability to comply with the
regulatory limits and tracking
requirements under § 194.24. The
baseline inspection can result in
approval with limitations/conditions or
may require follow-up inspection(s)
before approval. The approval must
specify what subsequent WC program
changes or expansion should be
reported to EPA. The Agency is required
to assign Tier 1 (‘‘TI’’) and Tier 2 (‘‘T2’’)
to the reportable changes depending on
their potential impact on data quality. A
T1 designation requires that the site
must notify EPA of proposed changes to
the approved components of an
individual WC process (such as
radioassay equipment or personnel),
and EPA must also approve the change
before it can be implemented. A WC
element with a T2 designation allows
the site to implement changes to the
approved components of individual WC
processes (such as visual examination
procedures) but requires EPA
notification. The Agency may choose to
inspect the site to evaluate technical
adequacy before approval. EPA
inspections conducted to evaluate T1 or
T2 changes are follow-up inspections
under the authority of § 194.24(h). In
addition to the follow-up inspections, if
warranted, EPA may opt to conduct
continued compliance inspections at
TRU waste sites with a baseline
approval under the authority of
§ 194.24(h).
The revisions to the site inspection
and approval process outlined in § 194.8
require EPA to issue a Federal Register
notice proposing the baseline
compliance decision, docket the
inspection report for public review, and
seek public comment on the proposed
decision for a period of 45 days. The
report must describe the WC processes
EPA inspected at the site, as well as
their compliance with § 194.24
requirements.
III. Proposed Baseline Compliance
Decision
From March 27—March 31, 2006,
EPA performed a baseline inspection of
TRU waste characterization activities of
DOE’s AMWTP at INL (EPA Inspection
No. EPA–AMWTP–03.06–8).
The purpose of EPA’s inspection was
to verify that AMWTP is characterizing
CH TRU retrievably-stored debris waste
(S5000) and solid waste (S3000), as well
as CH TRU newly-generated debris
waste (S5000), from INL properly and in
compliance with the regulatory
requirements at 40 CFR 194.24. During
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the inspection, EPA also evaluated
AMWTP’s use of the WIPP Waste
Information System (‘‘WWIS’’) for
tracking the contents of CH TRU waste
containers destined for disposal at
WIPP. This tracking ensures that the
volume emplaced in the WIPP
repository and characteristics of the
emplaced wastes conform to the
requirements of the WIPP LWA and the
specific conditions of the WIPP
Certification Decision.
During the inspection, EPA evaluated
the adequacy, implementation, and
effectiveness of AMWTP/INL’s waste
characterization activities. The Agency’s
evaluation focused on the individual
components—equipment, procedures,
and personnel training/experience of
the following waste characterization
processes: acceptable knowledge
(‘‘AK’’), nondestructive assay (‘‘NDA’’),
visual examination techniques (‘‘VET’’),
visual examination/real-time
radiography (‘‘VE/RTR’’), load
management, and the WWIS. The
overall program adequacy and
effectiveness of AMWTP/INL was based
on DOE-provided upper-tier documents.
EPA evaluated the waste
characterization processes at AMWTP/
INL for specific CH TRU waste
categories, as follows:
• Acceptable knowledge (AK) and
load management for CH retrievablystored and newly-generated TRU debris
waste (S5000) and retrievably-stored
solids (S3000)
• Visual examination technique
(VET) for CH newly-generated debris
waste (S5000)
• Visual examination (VE) as quality
control (QC) check of real-time
radiography (RTR) and VE in lieu of
RTR for CH retrievably-stored TRU
debris waste (S5000) and solids (S3000)
• RTR for CH retrievably-stored TRU
debris waste (S5000) and solids (S3000)
• Nondestructive assay (NDA) and
the WIPP Waste Information System
(WWIS) for CH retrievably-stored and
newly-generated TRU debris waste
(S5000) and retrievably-stored solids
(S3000) for Integrated Waste Assay
System (IWAS) units Z–211–102 and
–103, and CH retrievably-stored and
newly-generated TRU debris waste
(S5000) only for IWAS units Z–390–100
and –101
• Debris waste that has been removed
from standard waste boxes and damaged
55-gallon drums, repackaged in 55gallon drums for supercompaction
Four NDA IWAS units were
evaluated. IWAS units Z–211–102 and
–103 were evaluated for characterizing
debris (S5000) and solid (S3000) wastes.
IWAS units Z–390–100 and 101 were
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evaluated for characterizing debris
(S5000) only.
In addition to reviewing individual
components (namely, procedures, and
equipment) of each of the WC processes
(AK, NDA, VET, VE/RTR, load
management, and the WWIS), the
Agency interviewed and reviewed
training records of personnel
responsible for compiling data,
analyzing waste contents, operating
equipment, and preparing data for
WWIS tracking. EPA also required
radioassay replicate analysis on selected
containers from the population of
previously analyzed waste containers on
the same system or instrument for the
two different waste categories. The
purpose of this replicate testing is to
provide EPA with an independent
means to verify that the radioassay
equipment being assessed for approval
can provide consistent, reproducible
results for the determination of the
quantity of 10 WIPP-tracked
radionuclides (241Am, 137Cs, 238Pu,
239Pu, 240Pu, 242Pu, 90Sr, 233U,
234U, and 238U) as well as TRU alpha
concentration. The results of the
replicate analysis help EPA to
determine whether:
• The instrument produces results
consistent with the reported total
measurement uncertainty (‘‘TMU’’) by
comparing the sample standard
deviation for a number of replicate
measurements taken over several hours
or days to the reported TMU.
• The instrument provides
reproducible results over longer periods
of time, such as weeks or months, by
comparing the results of the replicate
measurement(s) to the original reported
values.
EPA’s inspection team did not
identify any findings or concerns during
the inspection, and determined that
AMWTP/INL’s WC program activities
were technically adequate. EPA is
proposing to approve the AMWTP—INL
WC program in the configuration
observed during this inspection and
described in this report and in the
checklists in Attachment A. This
proposed approval includes the
following waste characterization
activities:
(1) The AK and load management
process for CH retrievably-stored TRU
debris and solids.
(2) Two NDA systems (IWAS units Z–
211–102 and Z–211–103) for assaying
CH retrievably-stored or newlygenerated debris and solid wastes in
both 55- and 85-gallon containers.
(3) Two NDA systems (IWAS units Z–
390–100 and Z–390–101) for assaying
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only CH retrievably-stored or newlygenerated debris wastes in 55-gallon
containers.
(4) VE as a QC check of the RTR
process for retrievably-stored debris and
solid wastes, including VE performed in
lieu of RTR.
(5) The VET process for newlygenerated debris wastes.
(6) RTR for retrievably-stored S5000
debris and S4000 solid wastes.
(7) The WWIS for the purpose of data
transfer and tracking waste contents of
debris and solid wastes including 100gallon overpack containers.
As required by the new § 194.8
revisions, EPA has assigned specific
requirements for reporting changes to an
approved waste characterization
program. As seen from the table below,
Tier 1 changes require EPA approval
prior to implementation of the change
and may require EPA inspection to
determine technical adequacy. Tier 2
changes may be implemented prior to
EPA approval; however, this type of
change must be reported to EPA
quarterly. Any changes to WC activities
from the date of the baseline inspection
must be reported to and, if applicable,
approved by EPA, according to the
following table:
TABLE 1.—PROPOSED TIERING OF TRU WC PROCESSES IMPLEMENTED BY AMWTP
[Based on March 28–30, 2006, Baseline Inspection]
WC process
elements
AMWTP WC process specific T1
changes
AMWTP WC process specific T2
changes*
AMWTP general T2 changes*
AK including Load
Management.
Any new waste category ......................
Changes to WWIS algorithms specific
to load management.
Changes to site procedures requiring
approvals by the Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) and other changes as
discussed in Section 8.1 of this report.
NDA .........................
New equipment or physical modifications to approved equipment.**
Changes to approved calibration range
for approved equipment (see Section 8.2).
N/A .......................................................
Waste Stream Profile Forms, including
updates or additions to waste
stream(s) within an approved waste
category (see Section 8.1).
Changes in load management status
of approved waste stream(s).
Changes to software for approved
equipment (see Section 8.2).
Changes to operating range(s) upon
CBFO approval.
New equipment or changes to approved equipment.
Changes to site procedures requiring
CBFO approvals and other changes
as discussed in Section 8.3 of this
report.
Changes to site procedures requiring
CBFO approvals and other changes
as discussed in Section 8.4 of this
report.
Changes to site procedures requiring
CBFO approvals and other changes
as discussed in Section 8.5 of this
report.
RTR .........................
Changes in vendor performing VE and/
or VET.
Addition of new waste category ...........
Addition of new procedure or site
equipment identifier.
WWIS ......................
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VE and VET ............
N/A .......................................................
N/A .......................................................
Changes to site procedures requiring
CBFO approvals and other changes
as discussed in Section 8.2 of this
report.
* Upon receiving EPA approval, AMWTP will report all T2 changes to EPA every three months.
** Modifications to approved equipment include all changes with the potential to affect NDA data relative to waste isolation, and exclude minor
changes such as the addition of safety-related equipment.
EPA will notify the public of its
evaluation results for proposed Tier 1
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(T1) and Tier 2 (T2) changes on the EPA
Web site and by sending e-mails to the
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WIPP–NEWS list (see Section 2.0,
below, for a brief discussion of tiering).
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All T1 changes that are submitted for
approval before their implementation
will be evaluated by EPA and, upon
approval, EPA will post the evaluation
results on the EPA Web site and the
WIPP–NEWS list, as described above.
EPA will post T2 changes
approximately every three months
beginning with the date of EPA’s
approval of the TRU WC program
implemented at AMWTP/INL. EPA
expects the first report of T2 changes at
AMWTP/INL approximately three
months from the FR notice
accompanying this report.
The scope of the AMWTP baseline is
based on EPA’s inspection of the WC
system of controls. EPA will not
approve any changes to the AMWTP
program until after EPA issues the
baseline approval. AMWTP is currently
approved to dispose of retrievablystored and newly-generated debris
(S5000) and retrievably-stored solid
(S3000) wastes at the WIPP, and
AMWTP is permitted to continue WC
and disposal in accordance with prior
site approvals during the period before
EPA approves the final baseline.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
IV. Availability of the Baseline
Inspection Report for Public Comment
EPA has placed the report discussing
the results of EPA’s inspection of
AMWTP at INL in the public docket as
described in ADDRESSES. In accordance
with 40 CFR 194.8, EPA is providing the
public 45 days to comment on these
documents. The Agency requests
comments on the tiering designations
and the proposed approval decision.
EPA will accept public comment on this
notice and supplemental information as
described in Section 1.B. above. The
EPA will not make a determination of
compliance before the 45-day comment
period ends. At the end of the public
comment period, EPA will evaluate all
relevant public comment and revise the
inspection report as necessary. The
Agency will then issue an approval
letter and the final inspection report,
both of which will be posted on the
WIPP Web site. The letter of approval
will allow AMWTP to use the approved
TRU waste characterization processes to
characterize waste at INL.
Information on the certification
decision is filed in the official EPA Air
Docket, Docket No. A–93–02 and is
available for review in Washington, DC,
and at the three EPA WIPP
informational docket locations in New
Mexico (as listed in ADDRESSES). The
dockets in New Mexico contain only
major items from the official Air Docket
in Washington, DC, plus those
documents added to the official Air
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:34 Jul 28, 2006
Jkt 208001
Docket since the October 1992
enactment of the WIPP LWA.
Dated: July 11, 2006.
Barnes Johnson,
Acting Director, Office of Radiation and
Indoor Air.
[FR Doc. E6–12215 Filed 7–28–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–8204–6; Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–
2004–0018]
Draft Air Quality Criteria for Lead
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of public comment
period on Revised Integrative Synthesis
Chapter and Executive Summary.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The EPA is announcing a
public comment period for revised
Integrative Synthesis and Executive
Summary chapters from the draft
document titled, ‘‘Air Quality Criteria
for Lead; Second External Review Draft’’
(EPA/600/R–05/144aB–bB). The
document was prepared by the National
Center for Environmental Assessment
within EPA’s Office of Research and
Development.
EPA is releasing these draft chapters
solely for the purpose of seeking public
comment and for review by the Clean
Air Scientific Advisory Committee
(CASAC) via a teleconference meeting to
be held on August 15, 2006 (time and
phone number to be specified in a
separate Federal Register notice). It
does not represent and should not be
construed to represent any Agency
policy, viewpoint, or determination.
EPA will consider any public comments
submitted in accordance with this
notice when revising the document.
DATES: The public comment period
begins on or about August 1, 2006, and
ends August 15, 2006. Comments must
be received on or before August 15,
2006.
ADDRESSES: The revised Integrative
Synthesis and Executive Summary
chapters from the draft ‘‘Air Quality
Criteria for Lead; Second External
Review Draft’’ will be available
primarily via the Internet on the
National Center for Environmental
Assessment’s home page under the
Recent Additions and Publications
menus at https://www.epa.gov/ncea. A
limited number of CD–ROM or paper
copies will be available. Contact Ms.
Diane Ray by phone (919–541–3637),
fax (919–541–1818), or e-mail
(ray.diane@epa.gov) to request either of
PO 00000
Frm 00061
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
these, and please provide your name,
your mailing address, and the document
title, ‘‘Air Quality Criteria for Lead;
Second External Review Draft,’’ (EPA/
600/R–05/144aB–bB) to facilitate
processing of your request.
Comments may be submitted
electronically via www.regulations.gov,
by mail, or by hand delivery/courier.
Please follow the detailed instructions
provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section of this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
information on the public comment
period, contact the Office of
Environmental Information Docket;
telephone: 202–566–1752; or e-mail:
ORD.Docket@epa.gov.
For technical information, contact
Lori White, PhD., NCEA; telephone:
919–541–3146; facsimile: 919–541–
1818; or e-mail: white.lori@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Information about the Project/
Document
Section 108(a) of the Clean Air Act
directs the Administrator to identify
certain pollutants that ‘‘may reasonably
be anticipated to endanger public health
and welfare’’ and to issue air quality
criteria for them. These air quality
criteria are to (accurately reflect the
latest scientific knowledge useful in
indicating the kind and extent of all
identifiable effects on public health or
welfare which may be expected from the
presence of [a] pollutant in the ambient
air* * *.’’ Under section 109 of the Act,
EPA is then to establish National
Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) for each pollutant for which
EPA has issued criteria. Section 109(d)
of the Act requires subsequent periodic
review and, if appropriate, revision of
existing air quality criteria to reflect
advances in scientific knowledge on the
effects of the pollutant on public health
and welfare. EPA is also to revise the
NAAQS, if appropriate, based on the
revised criteria.
Lead is one of six ‘‘criteria’’ pollutants
for which EPA has established air
quality criteria and NAAQS. On
November 9, 2004 (69 FR 64926), EPA
formally initiated its current review of
the criteria and NAAQS for lead,
requesting the submission of recent
scientific information on specified
topics. A draft of EPA’s ‘‘Project Work
Plan for Revised Air Quality Criteria for
Lead’’ (NCEA–R–1465) was released on
January 7, 2005, for public comment (70
FR 1439) and was discussed by the
Clean Air Scientific Advisory
Committee (CASAC) via a publicly
accessible March 28, 2005,
teleconference consultation (70 FR
E:\FR\FM\31JYN1.SGM
31JYN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 146 (Monday, July 31, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43150-43154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12215]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0597; FRL-8204-5]
Proposed Approval of the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project's
Transuranic Waste Characterization Program at Idaho National Laboratory
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of availability; opening of public comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'' or ``we'') is
announcing the availability of, and soliciting public comments for 45
days on, the proposed approval of the radioactive, transuranic
(``TRU'') waste characterization program implemented by the Advanced
Mixed Waste Treatment Project (``AMWTP'') at Idaho National Laboratory
(``INL''). This waste is intended for disposal at the Waste Isolation
Pilot Plant (``WIPP'') in New Mexico. In accordance with the WIPP
Compliance Criteria, EPA evaluated the AMWTP/INL's characterization of
TRU debris and solid waste from AMWTP/INL during an inspection
conducted March 27-March 31, 2006. Using the systems and processes
developed as part of the Department of Energy's (``DOE's'') Carlsbad
Field Office (``CBFO''), EPA verified whether DOE could adequately
characterize TRU waste consistent with the Compliance Criteria. The
results of EPA's evaluation of the AMWTP/INL program and the proposed
approval are described in EPA's inspection report, which is available
for review in the public dockets listed in ADDRESSES. We will consider
public comments received on or before the due date mentioned in DATES.
This notice summarizes the waste characterization processes
evaluated by EPA and EPA's proposed approval. As required by 40 CFR
194.8, at the end of a 45-day comment period, EPA will evaluate public
comments received, finalize the report responding to the relevant
public comments, and issue the final report and an approval letter to
DOE's CBFO. Based on previous EPA inspections and approvals, AMWTP/INL
is currently approved to dispose of debris and solid waste at WIPP.
AMWTP/INL is permitted to continue waste characterization and disposal
in accordance with prior site approvals
[[Page 43151]]
while EPA establishes a baseline approval.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 14, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2006-0597, by one of the following methods:
www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for
submitting comments.
E-mail: to a-and-r-docket@epa.gov
Fax: 202-566-1741
Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center,
Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
Instructions: Direct your comments to Attn: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2006-0597. The Agency's policy is that all comments received will
be included in the public docket without change and may be made
available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal
information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed
to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information
that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an
``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of
your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without
going through www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be
automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is
placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name
and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any
disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA
may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid
the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of
any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public
docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https://www.epa.gov/
epahome/dockets.htm.
Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
at www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air and Radiation Docket
in the EPA Docket Center, (EPA/DC) EPA West, Room B102, 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air and
Radiation Docket is (202) 566-1742. These documents are also available
for review in hard-copy form at the following three EPA WIPP
informational docket locations in New Mexico: In Carlsbad at the
Municipal Library, Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-
Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., phone number:
505-885-0731; in Albuquerque at the Government Publications Department,
Zimmerman Library, University of New Mexico, Hours: Vary by semester,
phone number: 505-277-2003; and in Santa Fe at the New Mexico State
Library, Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., phone number: 505-476-
9700. As provided in EPA's regulations at 40 CFR Part 2, and in
accordance with normal EPA docket procedures, if copies of any docket
materials are requested, a reasonable fee may be charged for
photocopying.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rajani Joglekar, Radiation Protection
Division, Center for Federal Regulations, Mail Code 6608J, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington,
DC 20460; telephone number: 202-343-9601; fax number: 202-343-2305; e-
mail address: joglekar.rajani@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or
CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket.
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments. When submitting comments,
remember to:
Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other
identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and
page number).
Follow directions--The agency may ask you to respond to
specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.
Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives
and substitute language for your requested changes.
Describe any assumptions and provide any technical
information and/or data that you used.
If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how
you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be
reproduced.
Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and
suggest alternatives.
Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the
use of profanity or personal threats.
Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period
deadline identified.
II. Background
DOE is developing the WIPP near Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico
as a deep geologic repository for disposal of TRU radioactive waste. As
defined by the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act (LWA) of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-
579), as amended (Pub. L. 104-201), TRU waste consists of materials
containing processes having atomic numbers greater than 92 (with half-
lives greater than twenty years), in concentrations greater than 100
nanocuries of alpha-emitting TRU isotopes per gram of waste. Much of
the existing TRU waste consists of items contaminated during the
production of nuclear weapons, such as rags, equipment, tools, and
sludges.
On May 13, 1998, EPA announced its final compliance certification
decision to the Secretary of Energy (published May 18, 1998, 63 FR
27354). This decision stated that the WIPP will comply with EPA's
radioactive waste disposal regulations at 40 CFR part 191, Subparts B
and C.
The final WIPP certification decision includes conditions that (1)
prohibit shipment of TRU waste for disposal at WIPP from any site other
than the Los Alamos National Laboratories (LANL) until the EPA
determines that the site has established and executed a quality
[[Page 43152]]
assurance program, in accordance with Sec. Sec. 194.22(a)(2)(i),
194.24(c)(3), and 194.24(c)(5) for waste characterization activities
and assumptions (Condition 2 of Appendix A to 40 CFR part 194); and (2)
(with the exception of specific, limited waste streams and equipment at
LANL) prohibit shipment of TRU waste for disposal at WIPP (from LANL or
any other site) until EPA has approved the procedures developed to
comply with the waste characterization requirements of Sec.
194.22(c)(4) (Condition 3 of Appendix A to 40 CFR part 194). The EPA's
approval process for waste generator sites is described in Sec. 194.8.
In July 2004, EPA promulgated changes to the ``Criteria for the
Certification and Recertification of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant's
Compliance with Disposal Regulations'' (69 FR 42571-42583, July 16,
2004). These changes went into effect October 14, 2004, which modified
the EPA approval of waste characterization (``WC'') programs at DOE's
TRU waste sites. These revisions provide equivalent or improved
oversight and better prioritization of technical issues in EPA
inspections to evaluate WC activities at DOE WIPP waste generator
sites, and also offer more direct public input into the Agency's
decisions about what waste can be disposed of at WIPP. They do not
modify the technical approach that EPA has employed since the 1998 WIPP
Certification Decision.
Condition 3 of the WIPP Certification Decision requires that EPA
conduct independent inspections at DOE's waste generator/storage sites
of their TRU waste characterization capabilities before approving their
program and the waste for disposal at the WIPP. The revised inspection
and approval process gives EPA greater (a) discretion in establishing
technical priorities, (b) ability to accommodate variation in the
site's waste characterization capabilities, and (c) flexibility in
scheduling site WC inspections. The Sec. 194.8 changes require that
EPA conduct a baseline inspection at every previously approved TRU site
(such as AMWTP/INL). EPA expects that within two years after the
effective date of October 2004 most of the previously approved TRU
sites (such as Hanford, Los Alamos CCP, and Savannah River Site CCP)
will undergo EPA baseline inspections. Following these inspections, the
Agency will issue a new baseline compliance decision for these sites.
As part of the baseline inspection, EPA must evaluate each WC
process component (equipment, procedures, and personnel training/
experience) for its adequacy and appropriateness in characterizing TRU
waste destined for the disposal at WIPP. During the inspection, the
site demonstrates its capabilities to characterize TRU waste(s) and its
ability to comply with the regulatory limits and tracking requirements
under Sec. 194.24. The baseline inspection can result in approval with
limitations/conditions or may require follow-up inspection(s) before
approval. The approval must specify what subsequent WC program changes
or expansion should be reported to EPA. The Agency is required to
assign Tier 1 (``TI'') and Tier 2 (``T2'') to the reportable changes
depending on their potential impact on data quality. A T1 designation
requires that the site must notify EPA of proposed changes to the
approved components of an individual WC process (such as radioassay
equipment or personnel), and EPA must also approve the change before it
can be implemented. A WC element with a T2 designation allows the site
to implement changes to the approved components of individual WC
processes (such as visual examination procedures) but requires EPA
notification. The Agency may choose to inspect the site to evaluate
technical adequacy before approval. EPA inspections conducted to
evaluate T1 or T2 changes are follow-up inspections under the authority
of Sec. 194.24(h). In addition to the follow-up inspections, if
warranted, EPA may opt to conduct continued compliance inspections at
TRU waste sites with a baseline approval under the authority of Sec.
194.24(h).
The revisions to the site inspection and approval process outlined
in Sec. 194.8 require EPA to issue a Federal Register notice proposing
the baseline compliance decision, docket the inspection report for
public review, and seek public comment on the proposed decision for a
period of 45 days. The report must describe the WC processes EPA
inspected at the site, as well as their compliance with Sec. 194.24
requirements.
III. Proposed Baseline Compliance Decision
From March 27--March 31, 2006, EPA performed a baseline inspection
of TRU waste characterization activities of DOE's AMWTP at INL (EPA
Inspection No. EPA-AMWTP-03.06-8).
The purpose of EPA's inspection was to verify that AMWTP is
characterizing CH TRU retrievably-stored debris waste (S5000) and solid
waste (S3000), as well as CH TRU newly-generated debris waste (S5000),
from INL properly and in compliance with the regulatory requirements at
40 CFR 194.24. During the inspection, EPA also evaluated AMWTP's use of
the WIPP Waste Information System (``WWIS'') for tracking the contents
of CH TRU waste containers destined for disposal at WIPP. This tracking
ensures that the volume emplaced in the WIPP repository and
characteristics of the emplaced wastes conform to the requirements of
the WIPP LWA and the specific conditions of the WIPP Certification
Decision.
During the inspection, EPA evaluated the adequacy, implementation,
and effectiveness of AMWTP/INL's waste characterization activities. The
Agency's evaluation focused on the individual components--equipment,
procedures, and personnel training/experience of the following waste
characterization processes: acceptable knowledge (``AK''),
nondestructive assay (``NDA''), visual examination techniques
(``VET''), visual examination/real-time radiography (``VE/RTR''), load
management, and the WWIS. The overall program adequacy and
effectiveness of AMWTP/INL was based on DOE-provided upper-tier
documents.
EPA evaluated the waste characterization processes at AMWTP/INL for
specific CH TRU waste categories, as follows:
Acceptable knowledge (AK) and load management for CH
retrievably-stored and newly-generated TRU debris waste (S5000) and
retrievably-stored solids (S3000)
Visual examination technique (VET) for CH newly-generated
debris waste (S5000)
Visual examination (VE) as quality control (QC) check of
real-time radiography (RTR) and VE in lieu of RTR for CH retrievably-
stored TRU debris waste (S5000) and solids (S3000)
RTR for CH retrievably-stored TRU debris waste (S5000) and
solids (S3000)
Nondestructive assay (NDA) and the WIPP Waste Information
System (WWIS) for CH retrievably-stored and newly-generated TRU debris
waste (S5000) and retrievably-stored solids (S3000) for Integrated
Waste Assay System (IWAS) units Z-211-102 and -103, and CH retrievably-
stored and newly-generated TRU debris waste (S5000) only for IWAS units
Z-390-100 and -101
Debris waste that has been removed from standard waste
boxes and damaged 55-gallon drums, repackaged in 55-gallon drums for
supercompaction
Four NDA IWAS units were evaluated. IWAS units Z-211-102 and -103
were evaluated for characterizing debris (S5000) and solid (S3000)
wastes. IWAS units Z-390-100 and 101 were
[[Page 43153]]
evaluated for characterizing debris (S5000) only.
In addition to reviewing individual components (namely, procedures,
and equipment) of each of the WC processes (AK, NDA, VET, VE/RTR, load
management, and the WWIS), the Agency interviewed and reviewed training
records of personnel responsible for compiling data, analyzing waste
contents, operating equipment, and preparing data for WWIS tracking.
EPA also required radioassay replicate analysis on selected containers
from the population of previously analyzed waste containers on the same
system or instrument for the two different waste categories. The
purpose of this replicate testing is to provide EPA with an independent
means to verify that the radioassay equipment being assessed for
approval can provide consistent, reproducible results for the
determination of the quantity of 10 WIPP-tracked radionuclides (241Am,
137Cs, 238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu, 242Pu, 90Sr, 233U, 234U, and 238U) as well
as TRU alpha concentration. The results of the replicate analysis help
EPA to determine whether:
The instrument produces results consistent with the
reported total measurement uncertainty (``TMU'') by comparing the
sample standard deviation for a number of replicate measurements taken
over several hours or days to the reported TMU.
The instrument provides reproducible results over longer
periods of time, such as weeks or months, by comparing the results of
the replicate measurement(s) to the original reported values.
EPA's inspection team did not identify any findings or concerns
during the inspection, and determined that AMWTP/INL's WC program
activities were technically adequate. EPA is proposing to approve the
AMWTP--INL WC program in the configuration observed during this
inspection and described in this report and in the checklists in
Attachment A. This proposed approval includes the following waste
characterization activities:
(1) The AK and load management process for CH retrievably-stored
TRU debris and solids.
(2) Two NDA systems (IWAS units Z-211-102 and Z-211-103) for
assaying CH retrievably-stored or newly-generated debris and solid
wastes in both 55- and 85-gallon containers.
(3) Two NDA systems (IWAS units Z-390-100 and Z-390-101) for
assaying only CH retrievably-stored or newly-generated debris wastes in
55-gallon containers.
(4) VE as a QC check of the RTR process for retrievably-stored
debris and solid wastes, including VE performed in lieu of RTR.
(5) The VET process for newly-generated debris wastes.
(6) RTR for retrievably-stored S5000 debris and S4000 solid wastes.
(7) The WWIS for the purpose of data transfer and tracking waste
contents of debris and solid wastes including 100-gallon overpack
containers.
As required by the new Sec. 194.8 revisions, EPA has assigned
specific requirements for reporting changes to an approved waste
characterization program. As seen from the table below, Tier 1 changes
require EPA approval prior to implementation of the change and may
require EPA inspection to determine technical adequacy. Tier 2 changes
may be implemented prior to EPA approval; however, this type of change
must be reported to EPA quarterly. Any changes to WC activities from
the date of the baseline inspection must be reported to and, if
applicable, approved by EPA, according to the following table:
Table 1.--Proposed Tiering of TRU WC Processes Implemented by AMWTP
[Based on March 28-30, 2006, Baseline Inspection]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMWTP WC process specific AMWTP WC process AMWTP general T2
WC process elements T1 changes specific T2 changes* changes*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK including Load Management..... Any new waste category... Waste Stream Profile Changes to site
Changes to WWIS Forms, including procedures requiring
algorithms specific to updates or additions to approvals by the
load management. waste stream(s) within Carlsbad Field Office
an approved waste (CBFO) and other
category (see Section changes as discussed in
8.1). Section 8.1 of this
Changes in load report.
management status of
approved waste
stream(s).
NDA.............................. New equipment or physical Changes to software for Changes to site
modifications to approved equipment (see procedures requiring
approved equipment.** Section 8.2). CBFO approvals and
Changes to approved Changes to operating other changes as
calibration range for range(s) upon CBFO discussed in Section
approved equipment (see approval. 8.2 of this report.
Section 8.2)..
RTR.............................. N/A...................... New equipment or changes Changes to site
to approved equipment. procedures requiring
CBFO approvals and
other changes as
discussed in Section
8.3 of this report.
VE and VET....................... Changes in vendor Addition of new waste Changes to site
performing VE and/or VET. category. procedures requiring
Addition of new CBFO approvals and
procedure or site other changes as
equipment identifier. discussed in Section
8.4 of this report.
WWIS............................. N/A...................... N/A..................... Changes to site
procedures requiring
CBFO approvals and
other changes as
discussed in Section
8.5 of this report.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Upon receiving EPA approval, AMWTP will report all T2 changes to EPA every three months.
** Modifications to approved equipment include all changes with the potential to affect NDA data relative to
waste isolation, and exclude minor changes such as the addition of safety-related equipment.
EPA will notify the public of its evaluation results for proposed
Tier 1 (T1) and Tier 2 (T2) changes on the EPA Web site and by sending
e-mails to the WIPP-NEWS list (see Section 2.0, below, for a brief
discussion of tiering).
[[Page 43154]]
All T1 changes that are submitted for approval before their
implementation will be evaluated by EPA and, upon approval, EPA will
post the evaluation results on the EPA Web site and the WIPP-NEWS list,
as described above. EPA will post T2 changes approximately every three
months beginning with the date of EPA's approval of the TRU WC program
implemented at AMWTP/INL. EPA expects the first report of T2 changes at
AMWTP/INL approximately three months from the FR notice accompanying
this report.
The scope of the AMWTP baseline is based on EPA's inspection of the
WC system of controls. EPA will not approve any changes to the AMWTP
program until after EPA issues the baseline approval. AMWTP is
currently approved to dispose of retrievably-stored and newly-generated
debris (S5000) and retrievably-stored solid (S3000) wastes at the WIPP,
and AMWTP is permitted to continue WC and disposal in accordance with
prior site approvals during the period before EPA approves the final
baseline.
IV. Availability of the Baseline Inspection Report for Public Comment
EPA has placed the report discussing the results of EPA's
inspection of AMWTP at INL in the public docket as described in
ADDRESSES. In accordance with 40 CFR 194.8, EPA is providing the public
45 days to comment on these documents. The Agency requests comments on
the tiering designations and the proposed approval decision. EPA will
accept public comment on this notice and supplemental information as
described in Section 1.B. above. The EPA will not make a determination
of compliance before the 45-day comment period ends. At the end of the
public comment period, EPA will evaluate all relevant public comment
and revise the inspection report as necessary. The Agency will then
issue an approval letter and the final inspection report, both of which
will be posted on the WIPP Web site. The letter of approval will allow
AMWTP to use the approved TRU waste characterization processes to
characterize waste at INL.
Information on the certification decision is filed in the official
EPA Air Docket, Docket No. A-93-02 and is available for review in
Washington, DC, and at the three EPA WIPP informational docket
locations in New Mexico (as listed in ADDRESSES). The dockets in New
Mexico contain only major items from the official Air Docket in
Washington, DC, plus those documents added to the official Air Docket
since the October 1992 enactment of the WIPP LWA.
Dated: July 11, 2006.
Barnes Johnson,
Acting Director, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air.
[FR Doc. E6-12215 Filed 7-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P