NRC Constraint rule

[Charleen Raddatz <CTR@nrc.gov>]

Alex Zepantis wrote

Dear Radsafers

I have heard that the NRC has a proposal before it which
states that the effective dose to members of the public from
non-nuclear power facilities due to  atmospheric release of
radionuclides is to be less than 10mrem per year.

Does anyone know if this proposal has been approved?? Any
other information would also be appreciated.

Many thanks
**********************************

The proposed Constraint rule was published for comment on
December 13, 1996.  The comment period closed 90 days
later.  If codified as proposed, the constraint would require
NRC licensees currently subject to 40 CFR 61, Subpart I, to
constrain releases of airborne radioactive material to the
environment such that the member of the public likely to
receive the highest dose would not receive more than 10
mrem (0.1 mSv) in any year from these releases.  

Comments were received from 57 individuals and
organizations on the proposed rule and the accompanying
regulatory guide.  NRC staff thoroughly analyzed the
comments and has made a proposal to the Commission for
resolution.  The Commission Paper transmitting these
recommendations is dated August 5, 1996.  The
Commission Paper will be made publicly available once the
Commission has decided what to do and has so instructed
the staff by memo.  Until that time, we really cannot discuss
the contents of the staff recommendation.  Suffice it to say
that if any action is taken to codify a constraint, it would
likely occur before the end of the year.  EPA has agreed to
rescind Subpart I if the constraint rule is codified. 

Stay tuned..........

Char Raddatz
NRC Office of Research

Any opinions expressed are mine and not necessarily shared
by the Commission or NRC Management (or EPA).