### 6798 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 36 / Thursday, February 22, 1996 / Proposed Rules

2234). Appendix F also issued under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C 2237).



### PART 60-DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES
5. The authority citation for Part 60 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 62, 63

, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat

. 929, 930

, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2092

, 2093

, 2095

, 2111

, 2201,2232 ' 2233); secs

. 202, 206

, 88 Stat

. 1244

, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5842, 5846); secs

. 10 and 14 , Pub. L. 95-601
, 92 Stat

. 2951 (42 U.S. C. 2021a and 5851); sec. 102 , Pub. L. 91-190

, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs

. 114, 121 , Pub. L. 97- 425, 96 Stat

. 2213g

, 2228

, as amended (42 U.S.C. 10134, 10141) and Pub

. L. 102-486, sec 2902

, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S. C. 5851). Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 69, 81, 161, 182, 183, 184, 186, 187, 189, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 934, 935, 948, 953, 954, 955, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2099, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2282); sec. 274, Pub. L. 86-373, 73 Stat. 688, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2021); sec. 201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102- 486, sec. 7902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91-190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 141, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2229, 2230, 2232, 2241, sec. 148, Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10151, 10152, 10153, 10155, 10157, 10161, 10168). Section 72.44(g) also issued under secs. 142(b) and 148(c), (d), Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-232, 1330-236 (42 U.S.C. 10162(b), 10168(c), (d)). Section 72.46 also issued under sec. 189, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2239); sec. 134, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10154). Section 72.96(d) also issued under sec. 145(g), Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10165(g)). Subpart J also issued under secs. 2(2), 2(15), 2(19), 117(a), 141(h), Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2222, 2224 (42 U.S.C. 10101, 10137(a), 10161(h)). Subparts K and L are also issued under sec. 133, 98 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10153) and sec. 218(a), 96 Stat. 2252 (42 U.S.C. 10198). Dated at Rockville, Maryland this 7th day of February, 1996. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. James M. Taylor, Executive Director for Operations.
[FR Doc. 96-3937 Filed 2-21-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7590-01-P participants will want to address. All persons are hereby given notice of the opportunity to attend the public workshop.

DATES : The public workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 1996, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, March 20, 1996, from 9 a.m. to 1 p. m.

ADDRESSES : The workshop will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel (Crystal City), 1300 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. Copies of the interview findings, stakeholders' comments, and this notice may be viewed at the DOE Freedom of Information Reading Room, Forrestal Building, Room lE-190, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-6020 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

### PART 61-LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE
6. The authority citation for Part 61 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 930, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233); secs. 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5842, 5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L. 95-601, 92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and 5851) and Pub. L. 102-486, sec 2902, 106 Stat. 3123, (42 U.S.C. 5851).

PART 70-DOMESTIC LICENSING OF SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL
7. The authority citation for Part 70 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 948, 953, 954, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended, sec. 1701, 106 Stat, 2951, 2952, 2953 (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2282, 22971); secs. 201, as amended, 202, 204, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1245, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5845, 5846). Sections 70.1(c) and 70.20a(b) also issued under secs. 135, 141, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2232, 2241 (42 U.S.C. 10155, 10161). Section 70.7 also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 70.21(g) also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Section 70.31 also issued under sec. 57d, Pub. L. 93-377, 88 Stat. 475 (42 U.S.C. 2077). Sections 70.36 and 70.44 also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 70.61 also issued under secs. 186, 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2236, 2237). Section 70.62 also issued under sec. 108, 68 Stat. 939, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2138).

PART 72-LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDEPENDENT STORAGE OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL AND HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE
8. The authority citation for Part 72 continues to read as follows: Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Forrestal Building, Mail Station EE-43 1, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-0371 Douglas W. Smith, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General Counsel,Forrestal Building, Mail Station GC70, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103, (202) 586-3410 Deborah Miller, U.S. Department of



### DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

10 CFR Part 430

Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Public Workshop on the Improvements of the Appliance Standards Rulemaking Process

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of public workshop.

SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (the Department or DOE) will hold a public workshop to discuss possible initiatives that it will undertake to improve the appliance standards program. The issues for discussion and comment include those relating to the planning and prioritization process, data collection and analysis and decision making criteria. In addition, there may be other issues the Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Forrestal Building, Mail Station EE-1, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20585-0121, (202) 586-8888

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department has initiated a comprehensive process improvement effort to examine, through a series of stakeholder meetings and interviews, issues surrounding the appliance standards program. The initial findings from these meetings and interviews will be the basis for discussion of possible initiatives the Department will undertake to improve the appliance rulemaking process. A public workshop will be held on March 19 and March 20, 1996 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The workshop topics will cover issues relating to the planning and prioritization process, data collection and analysis and decision making criteria. The workshop agenda is as follows: 

## 6798 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 36 / Thursday, February 22, 1996 / Proposed Rules

2234). AppendixF also issued under sec. 187,68Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C 2237).



### PART 60-DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES

5. The authority citation for Part 60 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 62, 63, 65,81,161, 182, 183,68Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 935, 948,953,954, as amended (42 U.S.c. 2071, 2073,2092,2093,2095,2111,2201,2232, 2233); secs. 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.c. 5842, 5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L. 95-601,92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91-190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.c. 4332); secs. 114, 121, Pub. L. 97- 425,96 Stat. 2213g, 2228, as amended (42 U.S.C. 10134, 10141) and Pub. L. 102-486,

sec 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851).



### PART 61-LlCENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE

6. The authority citation for Part 61 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Secs. 53, 57, 62, 63, 65,81,161, 182, 183,68 Stat. 930, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953,954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2073, 2077, 2092,2093,2095,2111,2201,**2232,223~;** secs. 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5842,5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L. 95-601, 92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and 5851) and Pub. L. 102-486, sec 2902, 106 Stat. 3123, (42 U.S.C.5851).



### PART 70-DOMESTIC LICENSING OF SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL

7. The authority citation for Part 70 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 161, 182, 183,68 Stat. 929, 930, 948, 953, 954, as amended,

sec. 234,83 Stat. 444, as amended, sec. 1701, 106 Stat. 2951,2952,2953 (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073,2201,2232,2233,2282,22970; secs. 201, as amended, 202, 204, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1245, 1246 (42 U.S.c. 5841, 5842, 5845, 5846).

Sections 70. 1(c) and 70.20a(b) also issued under secs. 135, 141, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2232,2241 (42 U.S.C. 10155, 10161). Section 70.7 also issued underPub. L. 95-601, sec. 10,92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 70.21(g) also issued undersec. 122,68Stat. 939 (42 U.S.c. 2152). Section70.31 also issued under sec. 57d, Pub. L. 93-377, 88 Stat. 475 (42 U.S.C. 2077). Sections 70.36 and 70.44 also issued undersec. 184,68Stat. 954,

as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 70.61 also issued under secs. 186, 187,68Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2236, 2237). Section 70.62 also issued under sec. 108, 68 Stat. 939, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2138).



### PART 72-LlCENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDEPENDENT STORAGE OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL AND HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

8. The authority citation for Part

### 72 continues to read as follows; Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 69, 81, 161, 182,183, 184, 186, 187, 189,68 Stat. 929,930,932,933,934,935,948,953,954, 955, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.c. 2071,2073,2077,2092, 2093,2095,2099,2111,2201,2232,2233, 2234,2236, 2237, 2238, 2282); sec. 274, Pub. L. 86-373, 73 Stat. 688, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2021); sec. 201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.c. 5841, 5842, 5846); Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10,92 Stat. 2951 as amended byPub. L. 102- 486, sec. 7902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91-190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.c. 4332); secs. 131, 132, 133, 135, 137,141, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2229, 2230, 2232,2241, sec. 148, Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10151, 10152, 10153, 10155, 10157, 10161, 10168).

Section 72.44(g) also issued undersecs. 142(b) and 148(c), (d), Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-232, 1330-236 (42 U.S.C. 10162(b), 10168(c), (d)). Section 72.46 also issued under sec. 189, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2239); sec. 134, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10154). Section 72.96(d) also issued under sec. 145(g), Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10165(g)). Subpart

### Jalso issued under secs. 2(2), 2(15), 2(19), 117(a), 141(h), Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2222, 2224 (42 U.S.C. 10101, 10137(a), 10161(h)). Subparts Kand L

are also issued undersec. 133, 98 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10153) and sec. 218(a), 96 Stat. 2252 (42 U.S.C. 10198).

Dated atRockville, Maryland this 7th day ofFebruary, 1996.

FortheNuclear Regulatory Commission. James M. Taylor, ExecutiveDirectorfor Operations. [FR Doc. 96-3937 Filed 2-21-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 759G-Ol-P



### DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

10 CFR Part 430
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Public Workshop
on the Improvements of the Appliance Standards Rulemaking Process

AGENCY: Office ofEnergyEfficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice ofpublic workshop.

SUMMARY: The Department ofEnergy (the Department or DOE) will hold a public workshop to discuss possible initiatives that it will undertake to improve the appliance standards
program. The issues for discussion and
comment include those relating to the planning and prioritization process, data collection and analysis and decision making criteria. In addition, there may be other issues the participants will want to address. All
persons are hereby given notice ofthe opportunity to attend the public workshop.

DATES: The public workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 1996, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, March 20, 1996, from 9 a.m. to 1 p. m.

ADDRESSES: The workshop will be held
at the Embassy Suites Hotel (Crystal City), 1300Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

Copies ofthe interview findings, stakeholders' comments, and this notice
may be viewed at the DOE Freedom of Information Reading Room, Forresta1 Building, Room lE-190, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-6020 between the hours of9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of

Energy, Office ofEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Forrestal Building, Mail Station EE-431, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-0371 Douglas W. Smith, U.S. Department of

Energy, Office ofGeneral Counsel, Forresta1 Building, Mail Station GC70, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103, (202) 586-3410
Deborah Miller, U.S. Department of

Energy, Office ofEnergyEfficiency and Renewable Energy, Forrestal BUilding, Mail Station EE-l, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20585-0121, (202) 586-8888

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department has initiated a comprehensive process improvement effort to examine, through a series of stakeholder meetings and interviews, issues surrounding the appliance standards program. The initial findings from these meetings and interviews will be the basis for discussion ofpossible initiatives the Department will undertake to improve the appliance rulemaking process.

A public workshop will be held on March 19 and March 20, 1996 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The workshop topics will

cover issues relating to the planning and prioritization process, data collection and analysis and decision making criteria.

The workshop agenda is as follows:

### Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 36 / Thursday, February 22, 1996 / Proposed Rules

Tuesday, March 19 1. Summary of findings from stakeholder meetings and interviews followed by questions and answers. II. Overview of proposed improvements presented by the Department followed by questions and answers. III. Small group discussion of unresolved questions/topics.
Wednesday, March 20 I. The Department will present a proposed methodology for prioritizing the rulemaking agenda for discussion. After completion of the workshop, the Department will review all of the findings and other recommendations. The Department plans to announce the initiatives it will undertake as a result of the appliance standards process improvement in April 1996. The workshop will be professionally facilitated to encourage discussion and comments on the topics. Copies of the interview findings, stakeholders' comments, and this notice are available in the DOE Freedom of Information Reading Room. A copy of the workshop transcript will be available in the DOE public reading room approximately 10 days after the workshop. A briefing document will be sent to all participants that notify the Department in advance that they will attend. There will also be an opportunity to submit written comments after the workshop. Please notify Bryan Berringer at the above listed address of your intention to attend the workshop or if you have written comments.
Issued in Washington, DC February 14, 1996. Brian T. Castelli, Chief of Staff, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

[FR Doc. 96-4021 Filed 2-21-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

10 CFR Part 834

[Docket No. EH

- RM-93-834]

RIN 1901-AA38



### Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment

AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of limited reopening of the comment period.

SUMMARY: On March 25, 1993, DOE published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to add a new part establishing standards for the protection of the public and the environment against exposure to radiation from conduct of DOE activities. The purpose of this notice is to reopen the comment period for 30 days in order to solicit comments on an option being considered to protect terrestrial plants and animals from exposure to radiation. This option is being considered in light of comments received which recommended that radiation protection be required for terrestrial organisms in a manner similar to that proposed for aquatic organisms. DATES: The comment period expires March 25, 1996. Comments received after this date will be considered if it is practical to do so, but the Department is able to ensure consideration of only those comments received on or before this date. ADDRESSES : Written comments on 10 CFR Part 834 (11 copies) should be addressed to: PART 834, Mr. Andrew Wallo, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Environment, Safety and Health, EH-412, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585. PUBLIC READING ROOM: Copies of the March 25, 1993 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; written comments received on the March 25, 1993 Notice; the August 31, 1995 Notice of Limited Reopening of Comment Periods; the draft regulatory language made available by the August 31, 1995 Notice; the September 13, 1995 corrected Notice; written comments received on the August 31, 1995 Notice; and the December 1995 Workshop Report are contained in Docket No. EH-RM-93- 834. This docket is available for examination in DOE's Freedom of Information Reading Room, 1E-190, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586-6020, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Andrew Wallo, or Mr. Harold T. Peterson, Jr., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Environment, Safety and Health, EH-412, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586-2409, fax (202) 586-3915.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background On March 25, 1993, the Department published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (58 FR 16268) to codify, in a new part, the Department's policies and procedures for protecting the public and the environment against exposure to radiation resulting from activities conducted by or for the Department (hereafter referred to as the Proposed 

### 6799

Rule). The Proposed Rule would adopt dose limits for exposure of members of the public to radiation and require the reporting of doses above specified levels. It would also require the assessment of all releases of radioactive material and all doses and potential doses to the public from DOE activities to ensure that they are managed in accordance with the Department's "as low as is reasonably achievable" (ALARA) policy. Among the dose limits proposed were limits intended to protect native aquatic animal organisms. Subpart F proposed an absorbed dose limit of 1 rad/day (0.01 Gray/day) for aquatic animal organisms from exposure to radiation or radioactive material discharged in liquid waste to natural waterways. The limit was derived from the Department's order DOE 5400.5 and a report of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP).I A public hearing on proposed 10 CFR Part 834 was held on May 13, 1993 in Germantown, Maryland and the 60-day comment period closed on June 22, 1993. Comments received on Subpart F of the Proposed Rule regarding aquatic organisms recommended expanding the rule to include terrestrial biota (both plant and animal organisms) in order to provide consistent regulation of radiation exposure to biota. In June of 1994, DOE sponsored a Workshop on the Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Terrestrial Plants and Animals. This workshop was attended by experts in radioecology and ecological risk assessment. The purpose of the workshop was twofold: (1) to review a 1992 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report 2 on protecting terrestrial plants and animals from radiation and (2) to determine if there was sufficient information to support setting standards for protection of terrestrial biota from ionizing radiation. The workshop resulted in a published report summarizing its consensus findings and conclusions.3

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), "Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Aquatic Organisms," NCRP Report No. 109 (August 30, 1991). Available for sale from the National Council on Radiation, Protection and Measurements, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. '-International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "Effects of ionizing radiation on plants and animals at levels implied by current radiation protection standards." IAEA Technical Report No. 332, Vienna:IAEA (1992), Available for sale from UNIPUB, Inc., 4611-F Assembly Drive, Lantham, MD 20706-4391 (301-459-7666). 3Barnthouse, L. W., "Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Terrestrial Plants and Animals: A Workshop Report." Martin Marietta Energy Systems. Oak Continued 

### Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 36 / Thursday, February 22, 1996 / Proposed Rules 

## 6799

Tuesday, March 19
1. Summaryoffindings from stakeholder meetings and interviews followed by questions and answers. II. Overview ofproposed improvements presented by the Department followed byquestions and answers. III. Smallgroup discussion of unresolved questions/topics. 

### Wednesday, March 20


### I. TheDepartmentwill present a proposed methodologyfor prioritizing the rulemaking agenda for discussion. After completion ofthe workshop, the Department willreview all ofthe findings and other recommendations. The Departmentplans to announce the initiatives itwill undertake as a result ofthe appliance standards process 

### improvement in April 1996.

The workshop will be professionally facilitated to encourage discussion and comments onthe topics.

Copies ofthe interview findings, stakeholders' comments, and this notice

are available in the DOE Freedom of Information ReadingRoom. A copy of the workshop transcript will be available inthe DOE public reading

room approximately 10 days after the workshop.

A briefing document will be sent to all participants thatnotify the Department in advance that they will attend. Therewill also be an opportunityto submit written comments afterthe workshop. Please notifyBryanBerringer at the above listed address ofyour intention to attend the workshop orifyou have written comments.

Issued in Washington, DC February 14, 1996. BrianT. Castelli, Chief ofStaff, EnergyEfficiencyand Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 96-4021 Filed 2-21-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 64SD-Ol-P



### 10 CFR Part 834
[Docket No. EH-RM-93-834]

RIN 1901-AA38



### Radiation Protection ofthe PubliC and the Environment

AGENCY: 

### Department ofEnergy.

ACTION: 

### Notice oflimited reopening of the commentperiod.

SUMMARY: 

### On March 25, 1993, DOE published a Notice ofProposed Rulemaking to add a newpart establishing standards for the protection ofthepublic and the environment against exposure to radiation from conduct ofDOE activities. Thepurpose ofthis notice is to reopen the comment period for 30 days in orderto solicit comments on an option being considered to protect terrestrial plants and animals from exposure to radiation. This option is being considered in light ofcomments received which recommended thatradiationprotection be required for terrestrial organisms in

a mannersimilarto thatproposedfor aquatic organisms.
DATES: 

### The commentperiod expires March 25, 1996. Comments received after this date will be considered ifitis practical to do so, butthe Departmentis able to ensure consideration ofonly those comments received on or before this date.
ADDRESSES: 

### Written comments on 10 CFR Part 834 (11 copies) should be addressed to: PART 834, Mr. Andrew Wallo, U.S. Department ofEnergy, Office ofEnvironment, Safety and Health, EH-412, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585.

PUBLIC READING ROOM: Copies of the March 25, 1993 Notice ofProposed Rulemaking; written comments received

on the March 25, 1993 Notice; the August 31, 1995 Notice ofLimited Reopening ofComment Periods; the draft regulatory language made available by theAugust 31, 1995 Notice; the September 13, 1995 corrected Notice; written comments received 

### on the August 31, 1995 Notice; and the December 1995 Workshop Report are contained in Docket No. EH-RM-93- 834. This docketis available for examination in DOE's Freedom of Information Reading Room, lE-190, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586-6020, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

### Mr. Andrew Wallo, orMr. Harold T. Peterson,Jr., U.S. Department ofEnergy, Office ofEnvironment, Safety and Health, EH-412, 1000Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586-2409, fax (202) 586-3915.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

### Background

On March 25, 1993, the Department published a Notice ofProposed Rulemaking (58 FR 16268) to codify, in

a new part, the Department's poliCies and procedures for protectingthe public and the environment againstexposure to radiation resultingfrom activities conducted by orfor the Department (hereafterreferred to as the Proposed Rule). The Proposed Rule would adopt dose limits for exposure ofmembers of the public to radiation and require the reporting ofdoses above specified levels. It

### would also require the assessment ofall releases ofradioactive material and all doses and potential doses to the public from DOE activities to ensure thatthey are managed in accordance with the Department's "as low as is reasonably achievable" (ALARA) policy.

Amongthe dose limits proposed were limits intended to protect native aquatic animal organisms. Subpart F proposed

an absorbed dose limit of 1rad/day (0.01 Gray/day) for aquatic animal organisms from exposure to radiation or radioactive material discharged in liquid wasteto natural waterways. The limitwas derived from the Department's orderDOE 5400.5 and a report ofthe National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP).I

A publichearing on proposed 10 CFR Part 834 was held on May 13, 1993 in Germantown, Maryland and the 60-day commentperiod closed onJune 22, 1993.

Comments received on SubpartF of the Proposed Rule regarding aquatic organisms recommended expanding the rule to include terrestrial biota (both plant and animal organisms) in order to provide consistentregulation of radiation exposure to biota.

InJune of 1994, DOE sponsored a Workshop on theEffects ofIonizing Radiation onTerrestrial Plants and Animals. This workshop was attended by experts in radioecology and ecological riskassessment. The purpose ofthe workshop was twofold: (1) 

### to review a 1992 InternationalAtomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) report 2 

### on protectingterrestrialplants and animals from radiation and (2) to determine if there was sufficient information to support settingstandards for protection ofterrestrial biotafrom ionizing radiation. The workshop resulted in a published report summarizingits

consensus findings and conclusions. 3

I National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), "Effects oflonizing Radiation on Aquatic Organisms," NCRP Report No. 109 (August 30, 1991). Available for sale from the National Council on Radiation, Protection and Measurements, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda. MD 20814.

2International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA), "Effects ofionizing radiation on plants and animals
at levels implied by currentradiation protection standards." IAEA Technical Report No. 332, Vienna:IAEA (1992), Availablefor sale from UNIPUB, Inc., 4611-FAssembly Drive, Lantham, MD 20706-4391 (301-459-7666).

3Barnthouse, L. W., "Effects oflonizing Radiation

on Terrestrial Plants and Animals: A Workshop Report." Martin Marietta Energy Systems. Oak Continued