Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: d812c779-c17b-4eb3-9d66-b532cd68bd03
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Decommissioning Planning During Operations + HISTORY - HISTORY 12/2011 – DG-4014 , Proposed New Guide
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1115/ML111590642.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.22
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
nsees should review existing plans and procedures related to identification and management of leaks, spills, aerosols, dispersible solids, and other unplanned releases. Licensees should pay particular attention to identifying any changes in the facility operations, such as revisions to specifications for products, addition of new products or discontinuation of previous products, and changes to the process rate since the last revision to the procedures. The review should also note any physical changes to the facility, especially those that could result in unanalyzed release paths, such as new discharge ducts or piping. These changes are not limited to those in the immediate vicinity of the process. For example, rerouted plumbing could result in irregular fittings in normally inaccessible areas; or construction of a tall building on adjacent land could alter the airborne discharge paths. The ultimate goal of the DPR is for licensees to identify the extent of contamination on the site and reserve enough money during operations to complete site remediation and license termination in a timely manner at the end of operations. In this review, licensees should identify any areas of the site not currently monitored regularly for radiological contamination. In addition to “under-” sources (such as embedded or buried pipes, tanks, valves, and onsite disposals under 10 CFR 20.2002, “Method for Obtaining Approval of Proposed Disposal Procedures”), leaks and spills onto interior or exterior surfaces may migrate through floor joints, cracks, failed seals, or through porous media to other areas. Some of these areas may not be readily accessible for direct observation. In these cases, licensee should consider alternatives to identify potential contamination, such as use of remote sensors and robotics. Contamination could also enter utility conduits and move far from the point of origin. If the contamination moves into the subsurface, it could concentrate there over time, or