NRC Releases Early draft of the Proposed Rule: Requirements for Expanded Definition of Byproduct Material (SECY-06-0069)
The NRC Commissioners approved an early release of the draft documents that address the NRC's proposed rulemaking to implement NRC authority over NARM. The expansion of NRC authority was granted by Congress in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The draft staff paper and proposed rules are released in SECY-06-0069 (Proposed Rule: Requirements for Expanded Definition of Byproduct Material, RIN:3150-AH84).
The purpose of the early release is to maximize the opportunity for public review and comment. The proposed rules will be published in the Federal Register in the near future with a very short (45 days) official public review period. We ask members to read and provide input because these rules will significantly impact the use of accelerator-produced radioactive materials and machines. While the actual published rules in the Federal Register may differ from the draft, major changes from the draft are not expected. The AAPM is appreciative of the NRC Commissioners' positive response to the request of AAPM and other radiological societies for this early draft release to maximize input from affected radioactive materials licensees.
AAPM/GRAC plans to establish a Bulletin Board for members-only to promote constructive dialogue on the impact of these proposed rules and make possible suggestions for improvement. We hope that this also fosters individual AAPM member response on this major rulemaking effort.
The full paper can be viewed here (pdf).
If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Fairobent, AAPM's Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at lynne@aapm.org.