How can the public participate in
the decommissioning process?

The public has many opportunities to participate in the
decommissioning process:

= When a power reactor licensee submits a post-shut-
down decommissioning activities report (PSDAR), and
subsequently when a licensee submits a license termi-
nation plan (LTP), NRC will hold a public meeting in the
vicinity of the facility after each submittal.

When a materials licensee submits a decommission-
ing plan (DP), NRC may hold a public meeting in the vicini-
ty of the facility if local interest is high.

When NRC holds a meeting with a licensee, members
of the public are allowed to observe the meeting
(except when the discussion involves proprietary,
sensitive, safeguards, or classified information).

Region |

The public has an opportunity to provide comments
whenever a licensee submits a PSDAR, LTP, DP, or
other license amendment request.

There is an opportunity for a hearing whenever a
licensee submits a request for a license amendment.

Whenever NRC prepares an environmental impact
statement (EIS), notice of availability of the draft EIS is
published in the Federal Register and the draft is
placed on the NRC’ website for public comment.

Where can the public get more
information about the
decommissioning program?

Region lV

The public can use any of the following resources to learn
more about NRCS decommissioning program:

= www.nrc.gov/what-we-do/regulatory/
decommissioning html

=> NUREG-1757, “Consolidated NMSS
Decommissioning Guidance”
(www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/
staff/sr 1757)

=» Fact Sheets and Brochures
(www.nre.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/)

= Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 301-415-8200

E-mail: OPA@nre.gov

NUREG/BR-0325
September 2005

Region Il

@ Power Reactor Sites (18)

m= Research and Test Reactor Sites (17)

Decommissioning Sites
Regulated by the NRC
(as of September 2005)

¢ Uranium Recovery Sites(12)

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US. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's

Decommissioning
Program

Before (Aerial View)

After (Land View)

Decommissioning Directorate
Division of Waste Management
and Environmental Protection
Office of Nuclear Material Safety
and Safeguards



What is decommissioning?

Decommissioning is the process of removing a facility
or site safely from service and reducing the residual
radioactivity to a level that permits release of the
property.

Throughout the process, steps are taken to ensure
the protection of public health and safety, and the

environment.

What types of facilities are regulated?

=> Power reactors
=> Research and test reactors

= Fuel cycle facilities

= Uranium recovery facilities

— Nuclear materials facilities

What criteria does NRC use to
regulate decommissioning?

NRC's decommissioning regulations provide for

release of the property for unrestricted use and, under
certain conditions, for restricted use. For unrestricted
use (which is the case for most of the sites regulated by
the agency), NRC has established a dose limit of

0.25 mSv/year [25 mrem/year] to the individual
expected to receive the greatest exposure to residual
radioactivity. For restricted use, the dose to the
individual can not exceed 0.25 mSv/year [25 mrem/year]
with restrictions in place and can not exceed a dose of
1 mSv/year [100 mrem/year] if the restrictions fail.

In addition, the final dose to the individual must be as
low as reasonably achievable.

Doses in Perspective

i 2
Approximate Dose (mSv)

Bh sees dose ronal ate Bh 2320 ec rom
radiation sources in US (~3 mSv) CAT scan (=1 10 mv]

NRCan dose limit for
Unrestricted release (0.25 mSv]

‘Trns-Allontc flight (~0.025 mSv)

Aeragecmorestl dose
We ereisTndemer COrO7 no)

Bh ches 1071-0055 ns

General Decommissioning Process

Materials /Fuel
Cycle Facilities

Power Reactor
Facilities

Before cleanup

Licensee ceases operations
and notifies NRC.

Licensee submits decommis-
sioning plan to NRC for

review.

NRC performs technical and
‘environmental reviews of
licensee plan and documents
the reviews in NRC safety and
environmental reports. NRC
‘approves decommissioning
plan if it is acceptable.

Before cleanup

Licensee ceases operations and
notifies NRC.

Licensee submits post-shut-
down decommissioning act
ties report for NRC's informa-
tion.

Licensee waits 90 days before
star ‘any major decommis-
sioning activities.

During cleanup
Licensee conducts cleanup
activities, as described in the
decommissioning plan.

NRC conducts periodic inspec-
tions.

licensee completes cleanup
activities.

During cleanup

Licensee initiates cleanup activ-

ities, as described in the post-
shutdown decommissioning
activities report.

licensee submits license termi-
nation plan for review 2 years
before license termination.

The plan outlines remai
decommissioning activities.

NRC performs technical and
environmental reviews of
licensee plen and documents
the reviews in NRC safety and
environmental reports. NRC
approves license termination
plan if it is acceptable.

NRC conducts periodic inspec-
tions.

Licensee completes cleanup
activities.

license.

After cleanup
Licensee conducts final status
survey and submits report.
NRC conducts confirmatory
surveys and reviews
licensee’s report.

NRC approves final status sur-
vey report and terminates

Who regulates decommissioning

$s?

NRC's Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS)
regulates the decommissioning activities at fuel cycle facilities,
uranium recovery facilities, and nuclear materials facilities.
NMSS regulates the decommissioning of power reactors after
certain licensing actions are completed.

NRC's Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) regulates the
decommissioning of most power reactors during the early stages
of decommissioning. NRR also regulates decommissioning activi-
ties at research and test reactors.

NRC regional offices execute established NRC policies and
assigned programs relating to inspection, licensing, investigation,
and enforcement of decommissioning activities.

Agreement States implement and enforce the regulations for
decommissioning source, byproducts, and small quantities of
special nuclear material at facilities and sites in their States.