Nuclear Regulatory Commission May 17, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is making available preliminary draft rule language to amend its regulations to revise the security requirements and material control and accounting (MC&A) requirements for a geologic repository operations area (GROA). The goal of this rulemaking is to ensure effective security measures are in place for the protection of high-level radioactive waste given the post-September 11, 2001, threat environment. New requirements for specific training enhancements, improved access authorization, and enhancements to defensive strategies will be incorporated. The proposed rule will reinstate the alcohol and drug provisions of the fitness-for- duty provisions to a GROA. The proposed rule will also impose the fatigue portion of the fitness-for-duty requirements for the security personnel at a GROA. The proposed rule will establish general performance objectives and corresponding system capabilities for the GROA MC&A program, with a focus on strengthening, streamlining, and consolidating all MC&A regulations specific to a GROA. In addition, the proposed rule will require the emergency plan to address radiological emergencies. The availability of the preliminary draft rule language is intended to inform stakeholders of the current status of the NRC's activities, but the NRC is not soliciting formal public comments on the information at this time.