Integrated Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal
Abstract
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations that govern the land disposal of low-level radioactive waste to expand regulatory coverage to include certain transuranic wastes. The rule also introduces a new risk-informed framework for low-level waste disposal in which sites can develop waste acceptance criteria based on site-specific characteristics rather than using prescriptive limits. The proposed rule would allow for a graded approach: facilities that do not plan to accept significant quantities of long-lived radionuclides or Greater-Than-Class C waste will only need to meet a streamlined set of requirements, while those managing these waste streams must conduct technical assessments to ensure long- term safety. The proposed rule would also introduce new options for disposal of higher concentrations of waste, providing new alternatives for safe low-level waste management. These innovations support public health and environmental protection, as well as safe disposal of low- level radioactive waste, encourage operational efficiency, and offer greater flexibility for both current and future disposal facilities. In addition, the NRC is issuing draft implementing guidance for public comment.
Federal Register Source
This document is published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration. Access the full regulatory text, preamble, and docket comments below.
View Full Text on FederalRegister.gov →Opens in new tab · federalregister.gov
Other Rules from NRC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026-13302 Federal Register document?
Document 2026-13302 is a Proposed Rule published by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the Federal Register on July 1, 2026. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations that govern the land disposal of low-level radioactive waste to expand regulatory coverage to include certain transuranic wastes. The rule also introduces a new risk-informed framework for low-level waste disposal in which sites can develop waste acceptance criteria based on site-specific characteristics rather than using prescriptive limits. The proposed rule would allow for a graded approach: facilities that do not plan to accept significant quantities of long-lived radionuclides or Greater-Than-Class C waste will only need to meet a streamlined set of requirements, while those managing these waste streams must conduct technical assessments to ensure long- term safety. The proposed rule would also introduce new options for disposal of higher concentrations of waste, providing new alternatives for safe low-level waste management. These innovations support public health and environmental protection, as well as safe disposal of low- level radioactive waste, encourage operational efficiency, and offer greater flexibility for both current and future disposal facilities. In addition, the NRC is issuing draft implementing guidance for public comment. View the original at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/01/2026-13302/integrated-low-level-radioactive-waste-disposal.
Is document 2026-13302 an economically significant rule?
No. Document 2026-13302 is not classified as economically significant under Executive Order 12866. Economically significant rules require OIRA review and are estimated to have impacts of $100 million or more per year.