The Energy Facility Siting Council requests public comment on the proposed
amendments to its radioactive waste materials rules found in
OAR 345 Division 50.
With Senate Bill 246 (2021), the legislature enabled the Energy Facility
Siting Council, with support from ODOE, to update and clarify the definition
of radioactive waste subject to the disposal ban found in OAR 345 Division
50.
The rulemaking was undertaken to evaluate whether changes to rules are
needed to protect public health and safety; consider what, if any, standards
and rules are necessary to prevent disposal of radioactive waste in Oregon;
and to align requirements with regulatory authority of other agencies and
with practicable actions.
The proposed rulemaking language: -
Improves how the process rules are organized and external Tables are
referenced.
-
Adds two new exemptions to the ruleset: one for petroleum wastes
enriched in Lead-210 and one for metabolized medical isotopes when the
receiving facility has a work procedure approved by ODOE staff.
Complete text of the proposed rules are
available here.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is also available from the
Oregon Administrative Rules Database.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
A public comment period on the
proposed rule change
is now open. All written comments must be received by
5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, to be considered.
ODOE has a new
online portal
for submitting public comments. The goal of the online portal is to provide
members of the public with another convenient option to participate in
Council rulemaking proceedings.
To
comment
on this project, select “Radioactive Waste Rulemaking" from the drop-down
menu and follow the instructions. You will receive an email confirmation
after submitting your comment.
Written comments may also be submitted by mail or email by sending them to:
EFSC Rules Coordinator
Oregon Department of Energy
550 Capitol St.
NE
Salem, OR 97301
Email: EFSC.rulemaking@energy.oregon.gov
RULEMAKING HEARING
An opportunity for oral comments will be provided at a rulemaking hearing on
October 19, 2023. The hearing will be held both in person in Salem and
virtually via Webex.
Hearing Details
Date/Time: Thursday, October 19, 2023 | 1:00 p.m.
In-Person Location: Oregon Department of Energy's Meitner Room
550 Capitol St
Salem, OR NE 97301
Virtual Option: Join the meeting via Webex
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions about these rules, or other Council rulemaking
activities, please contact the Council's Rules Coordinator, Thomas Jackman,
by email at tom.jackman@energy.oregon.gov or by phone at (503) 551-7603.
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